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Philippines Media Visits Formosa
By Formosa News Group (Originally in English)
[Formosa] While visiting the Philippine’s National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in May, Golden Year 6 (2009), our Association members met Mr. Buddy Cunanan, the host of a cultural program called “Neighbors” on National Broadcasting Network (NBN) Channel 4, who strongly supports Master’s ideal of “Be Veg, Go Green, Save the Planet.” He later wrote a letter asking for permission to make a documentary film about the work of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association and its efforts to halt global warming through the organic vegan diet. “Neighbors” broadcasted the following series of programs this past August: 1) Overview of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association; 2) Vegetarianism; and 3) Global Warming.
From July 4 to 9, a six-member production crew from NBN Channel 4 made a special visit to Formosa to film the Taipei Center, Hsihu Center, Loving Hut vegan restaurants in Taipei and Nantou, the Taipei House of Concern and Care for the Homeless, a seminar on global warming in Chiayi, and a “green” puppet show for children in Yunlin. The crew also documented the Association’s humanitarian efforts in international disaster relief, aid to prisoners, help for the homeless, children’s education, and the production of inspiring and constructive programs for Supreme Master Television.
Mr. Cunanan was deeply interested in the Association’s efforts to spread the SOS message of climate change to the world. He asked many good questions including the differences between a vegetarian and vegan diet and animal protein versus vegetable protein. Upon learning many important facts about global warming, the truth about a meat diet, and how a vegan lifestyle is the best way to prevent disasters, he fully agreed that we should not use animal products.
At the Hsihu Center, while filming the beautiful Nectar River, Rainbow Garden, and thousands of Association members who quietly enjoyed the inner peace in the Forest Meditation Hall, the crew members understood that spiritual practice can really bring peace to the Earth. They were impressed by Master’s commitment to the mission of saving the planet when they saw that even doggie clothes carried the slogan. They happily chose a gift for themselves among Master’s clothing display. Throughout their trip to Formosa, the film crew was treated to scrumptious vegan fares by our Association members with honor. They were amazed at the availability of so many different varieties of meat alternatives and dishes. They wanted to show Philippine people how easy it is to prepare healthy, vegan food while filming at the Loving Hut restaurants. Mr. Cunanan exclaimed, “Now I look forward to eating more vegetarian meals!” Marilou Santomin, the director of Neighbors said with hope, “Maybe if we could introduce the food and make a show with your help, we could be veggie in the Philippines!” During an interview with Supreme Master Television, Mr. Cunanan said that he has a beautiful canine companion at home that brings him “great joy,” He also added that there is no difference between a dog and a pig, a cow or a chicken, which means all animals can be loved equally. As a member of the media, he believes that the media should be at the forefront to promote good values, healthy living, and protection of the environment. In a sincere message to Supreme Master Ching Hai, he said, “On behalf of NBN Channel 4 and all my friends and my crew, we’re very impressed with what you’re doing. Please continue your wonderful work to save the planet.” Master’s loving blessing was felt throughout this entire
experience. What a pleasure it was to meet such noble individuals from
the Philippines! We thank them for their friendliness and willingness
to share the “Be Veg” message. May their sincere efforts help
to bring more peace to our world and greater love amongst all beings.
Combined Reports by Formosa News Group
(Originally in Chinese) [Formosa] Through the non-stop publicity efforts by
our fellow initiates, combined with endeavors by NGOs as well as frequent
reports by the media, many government authorities and leaders, NGOs, schools,
celebrities, and compassionate personages in Formosa, many have adopted
the plant-based diet to mitigate global warming and save the planet. The
general public also has a greater understanding about the importance of
the animal-free diet and is willing to make necessary changes to save
the Earth. 
The Grass Root “Meatless Monday” Campaign
The “Meatless Monday” Campaign launched on September
21 by environmental activists, artists and cultural elite attracted great
media coverage. Film Director Cai Yue-xun, signed the “Meatless
Monday Declaration” himself and on behalf of the actors and actresses
in his group. He promised to encourage the artists to observe “Meatless
Mondays” and hoped that through their positive example, many more
people would realize the benefits of a plant-based diet. In supporting
this campaign, CTS Television News airs the “Meatless Monday”
message every Monday to remind its viewers not to eat meat that day. Also
on Mondays, starting from mid-November, Taiwan Railway will provide healthy
vegetarian meal boxes, and use screen displays (LED) to encourage the
passengers to always Go Green and reduce their carbon footprint by Being
Veg! 
Our fellow initiates in Formosa continue their endeavors to
promote the animal-free diet to halt global warming. They have been distributing
SOS flyers and DVDs, green mugs and booklets. They also held seminars
in schools, communities, associations and churches. In addition, a tour
was organized featuring the film “A Delicate Balance – The
Truth” followed by discussion forums at The National Library and
seven other venues. On October 11 at the National Chung Hsing University,
our Association held the “Protect Our Home with L.O.V.E. –
Climate Change Conference.” They summarized the well-researched
data from prominent experts in Formosa and worldwide, and proposed an
effective solution that can be acted upon immediately to halt the warming
of the planet, which essentially is the “Happy, Organic, Vegan and
Eco-friendly Lifestyle.”
Generally speaking, when promoting a policy, if the government
officials take the lead and show their support, citizens will follow and
thus make the implementation of the policy a successful one. Government
officials who openly support the idea of “eating less meat and more
vegetables” include: Premier Wu Den-yih who refrains from eating
meat two days per week; the Minister of the Environmental Protection Agency
- Mr. Shen Shu-hong who has two vegetarian meals per week; Mayor Hau Long-bin
who thinks that the plant-based diet is the simplest way to protect the
environment; the Minister of the Department of Health – Mr. Yang
Chih-liang who in addition to eating vegetarian meals at lunch every day,
has also instructed the Department of Health to draft and issue a set
of dietary guidelines for vegetarians, to advocate the plant-based diet,
thus achieving the goal of saving energy and reducing CO2 emissions; and
Mayor Hau Long-bin of Taipei City. Local municipal governments supporting
one or two vegetarian days each week include: the Taoyuan County Government,
Hsinchu County Government, Nantou County Government, Yunlin County Government,
the Taipei City Council, Hsinchu City Council, Taichung City Council,
Kaohsiung City Council, and the Hualien County Council. Director Chen
Li-ling of the Taoyuan County Environmental Protection Bureau (EPB) even
recommended that citizens take one meatless meal every day.
Initiated by the Ministry of Education and various local
education authorities, at present there are hundreds of schools
providing vegetarian meals one to two days each week, or each month. Many schools are reducing meat on their menu. With the
earnest support from the local county magistrate and education authorities, Hsinchu County and Yunlin County achieved the best results. The Hualien
County Education Department has even requested our Association members
to provide “Be Veg! Go Green! Save the Planet!” DVDs and other
informative materials for their school principals to study at a seminar.
There are 107 school principals who support the “Vegetarian Lunch
One Day a Week” Project, which was approved by the Parent Association
in Hualian County. They are now encouraging all other Parent Associations
in local schools and all parents to support this movement of saving the
planet. 
By Taipei News Group (Originally in Chinese)
[Taipei] On July 31, Golden Year 6 (2009), our Taipei Center held a summer camp at Sunglo National Trail, located near Yilan City, to provide an opportunity for the young initiates to appreciate the wonders of Mother Nature that nourishes and sustains all living beings on Earth and thus realize the importance of conserving our ecosystem environment. The Sunglo National Trail is one of the National Trails created by the Luodong District Forest Office. The warm and humid climate has contributed to its primitive landscape covered by lush rainforest-like vegetation. When the young initiates took a relaxing walk in the forest, they could really appreciate the natural charm of the tropical rainforest. They also enjoyed watching the Formosa Ku Fish (known as Vacicorhinus alticorpus or Deep-Body Shovelnose Minnow) swimming leisurely in the Sunglo Stream, a result of loving conservation endeavors by the local residents. At noon, everyone feasted on a vegan lunch at our Yilan Center followed by a meditation session. The young initiates then frolicked the whole afternoon in the Songshumen Swimming Pool. The water there is underground spring water constant in temperature year-round, helping relax the body and beating off the summer heat. We are so grateful to the wondrous planet in offering us such
magnificent mountains and waters, amidst which this summer camp ended
with much joy and laughter.
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