Pingtung City Village Chief Honored for Decades of Service, Seeks Eighth Term

Lai Chiu-tung, the long-serving village chief of Jianguo Village in Pingtung City, has been recognized with an outstanding village chief award by the Pingtung County Government. The award ceremony, held on July 23, honored 68 individuals, including village chiefs, civil affairs personnel, and neighborhood chiefs, for their dedication to public service.

Lai, who has been re-elected for seven consecutive terms, is now preparing to run for his eighth term. He has earned deep trust and affirmation from his constituents for his consistent efforts in assisting vulnerable residents and providing attentive care for the elderly living alone in his community.

County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi highlighted the crucial role of village chiefs as community leaders who drive local initiatives. She emphasized their wide-ranging responsibilities, from disaster prevention and recovery to social welfare, emergency assistance, and community care, underscoring their indispensable contribution to county governance.

Lai, originally from Nankunshan and now a resident of Pingtung City, has built extensive networks through his wholesale department store business. Since becoming a village chief in 1998, he has continued to serve Jianguo Village following administrative boundary changes. The 78-year-old chief has a rich history of grassroots engagement. He noted that many older residents and those living alone in his jurisdiction, descendants of "ox-cart families" who moved from Tainan, have benefited from his personal contributions. He has provided care packages for over 300 elders annually on holidays and birthdays. Lai stated, "The villagers' affairs are my affairs," and he plans to continue serving as long as he is able, even assisting with the removal of large discarded furniture at the end of each year.

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The villagers' affairs are my affairs.