NTU Professor Dr. Jenn-Chuan Chern has served as Vice CEO and CEO of the Reconstruction Council for almost 4 years after the occurrence of the Morakot disaster and has been fully committed to the reconstruction work. Dr. Chern has a thorough understanding of reconstruction tasks and knows how to integrate the resources of the central and local governments, non-profit organizations, enterprises, communities, and local residents. Dr. Chern possesses a deep insight into the demands and expectations of tribal communities in particular. He is fully dedicated to his duties and he has achieved excellent results. After resigning from his official duties and returning to his academic position on August 1, he was appointed again to take over as CEO of the Reconstruction Council on August 9.

During their visit of the reconstruction area in the Alishan Area in Chiayi County, President Ma and Premier Jiang praised the progress of the reconstruction work following the Morakot Disaster which has proceeded more rapidly than the rebuilding process in the wake of the 921 earthquake. The joint efforts of the central and local governments as well as private organizations allowed a rapid implementation of reconstruction projects in the areas hit by the disaster. The involved agencies were not only able to rebuild the homes, industries, and culture in those areas, but also managed to restore the confidence of the nation, which is even more important. To ensure that the “Special Act for Post-Typhoon Morakot Disaster Reconstruction” can be terminated as planned on August 29 of next year, the Premier asked Dr. Chern to continue to serve concurrently as CEO of the Reconstruction Council with the goal of a successful completion of the reconstruction work and the passing on of relevant experiences.

Mr. Chen points out that the main task of the last stage of the reconstruction process lies in the rebuilding of homes and industries. Meeting the demands of residents at the permanent housing sites in the fields of daily life, school and employment opportunities, industry, and culture, requires the full commitment of the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Council of Agriculture, the Ministry of Culture, the Council of Indigenous Peoples as well as county and city governments. Public facilities required for the daily life of residents have to be provided to stimulate the industrial development in permanent housing areas. He also emphasizes that the council will join hands with residents of these areas to promote the reconstruction and development of local industries and create colorful sustainable communities where residents can live their lives and act as producers in an eco-friendly fashion. The goal is to enable local citizens to become autonomous and self-reliant and conduct sustainable operations in line with the promotion of the “Glory and Vitalization Program”. Finally, he encourages the public to travel to reconstructed areas as tourists and thereby contribute to the local economy and experience the beauty of multicultural communities.
 

President Ma attended the symposium held by Morakot Post-Disaster Reconstruction Council

Residents of the reconstruction areas laud the CEO of the Reconstruction Council, Dr. Chern, while the chieftain of the Majia Village presents him with an ancient clay jar as

President Ma attended the symposium held by Morakot Post-Disaster Reconstruction Council