Democratic Progressive Party Secretary-General Ho Po-wen took part in hands-on disaster relief efforts in Tainan this week. After heavy rainfall caused flooding in southern Taiwan, a photo of Ho clearing a drainage ditch circulated online. Consequently, some critics questioned whether his effort was genuine.
However, Ho immediately responded and urged critics to visit Tainan and help with drainage themselves. Furthermore, he emphasized that local and central DPP officials are actively participating in disaster recovery. He insisted that the focus should remain on assisting affected residents rather than debating political motives.
Tainan City Councilor Li Tsung-han publicly supported Ho’s effort. He explained that flooding in Baihe District occurred due to neglected drainage maintenance. Therefore, he praised Ho for taking immediate action and called for long-term improvements. Additionally, Li encouraged citizens to follow Ho’s example and help where possible.
Meanwhile, former DPP legislator Kuo Cheng-liang examined the city’s flood control strategy. He pointed out that Tainan mainly relies on pumps and retention ponds. Thus, Kuo argued that more resources should have gone into clearing drainage systems. Otherwise, similar flooding problems could continue in the future.
Political commentator Huang Wei-han also recognized Ho’s hands-on disaster relief. Nevertheless, he suggested that using proper equipment could have improved efficiency. He warned that overemphasizing Ho’s involvement might provoke unnecessary backlash. Still, Huang acknowledged that the initiative set a positive example.
Moreover, Ho’s approach reflects a broader philosophy of disaster response. By demonstrating leadership in the field, he encourages both officials and residents to engage actively. Consequently, community participation strengthens recovery efforts and builds local resilience.
In conclusion, Ho Po-wen’s hands-on disaster relief shows the importance of active involvement. Although some critics may question motives, the immediate support for flood-affected residents remains clear. Therefore, local leaders stress both hands-on action and long-term drainage improvements.
