This week, from February 24 to March 1, Taitung County Magistrate Ching-ling Yao, is leading a delegation to Palau to strengthen the bond between Taiwan and Palau through a shared love of maritime culture!
Highlights of the Visit:
* Magistrate Yao and her team met with Palau’s Vice President Raynold “Arnold” Oilouch, Vice President Jay Olegeriil of the Palau Community College, and members of the Micronesian Voyaging Society.
* They also had great discussions with government officials and key figures, including the Minister of Human Resources, Culture, and Tourism Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, and Bilung, Ebilreklai, and women leaders from Palau’s 16 states.
Why This Matters: Taitung, located in the southeast of Taiwan, is a place deeply connected to the ocean, with the longest coastline in Taiwan. It’s home to 7 indigenous tribes, including the Tao(Yami) and Amis, both of whom have rich maritime traditions, such as boat building and seafaring—much like Palau’s famous "boat houses."
An Amazing Collaboration: In a shared effort to preserve and promote ocean culture, the Taitung County Government, Council of Indigenous Peoples, the Palau Ministry of Human Resources, and the Micronesian Voyaging Society are collaborating on an exciting project: Alingano Maisu, a traditional non-instrumental sailboat, will sail from Palau to Orchid Island and Taitung in April and May, before returning to Palau.
Why the Alingano Maisu Matters: This voyage isn’t just about sailing—it’s about passing down ancient maritime knowledge to the younger generation and deepening the cultural ties between Taiwan and Palau. Both sides are thrilled about the potential for young people to connect with their maritime roots and preserve this heritage for future generations.
A Broader Cultural Exchange: Ambassador Lee is also excited about the growing exchange between Taiwan and Palau. This visit will explore more than just ocean culture—it’s also a chance to exchange ideas about traditional weaving, wood carving, and even art residencies between artists from both sides.
Alingano Maisu (the name of the sailboat) symbolizes the idea of sharing freely with everyone, just like the breadfruit that falls and can be shared by all.
