President Lai Visits Keelung's Jile Temple and Jing Si Hall, Accompanied by Tong Zhi-wei for Blessing Ceremony

(Central News Agency reporter Wang Chao-yu, Keelung, 14th) President Lai Qingde visited Fo Guang Shan's Jile Temple and Tzu Chi's Jing Si Hall in Keelung today to offer blessings. Tong Zhi-wei, the Democratic Progressive Party's mayoral candidate for Keelung who accompanied the president throughout, stated that President Lai's first visit to these two significant religious sites in Keelung reflects deep respect for the city's religious culture and serves as a blessing for the nation.

In a press release, Tong expressed that accompanying President Lai to Keelung and experiencing the Humanistic Buddhism spirit of Fo Guang Shan's Jile Temple and the compassionate power of Keelung's Jing Si Hall holds profound significance. He believes that continued collaboration among central and local governments, religious communities, and civil society will help transform Keelung into a more culturally rich, compassionate, and resilient city.

Tong noted that Jile Temple has long promoted Buddhist teachings while actively engaging in education, cultural development, and youth cultivation. Through summer camps, community education programs, and life education initiatives, religion has become a vital force for good in the city. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Buddhist Progress Association donated防疫 supplies multiple times, protecting frontline workers and citizens.

Tong also highlighted Tzu Chi's long-standing commitment to Master Cheng Yen's spirit of "for Buddhism, for all beings," turning compassion into action. Whether in disaster relief, care for the vulnerable, or environmental protection, Tzu Chi has consistently stepped in when most needed. During the pandemic, Keelung's Jing Si Hall was even used as a large-scale vaccination center, providing a comfortable space for citizens.

Tong emphasized that urban progress depends not only on public infrastructure but also on the joint efforts of religious and civil sectors. No matter his future position, he pledged to continue supporting cultural education, social welfare, and public development, collaborating with civil groups to deliver resources to those in need and bring greater hope to Keelung. (Editor: Lin Shu-hui) 1150714

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