Visas, Hospital, Banknotes: Taiwan Uniquely

Executive Yuan Approved Visa Waiver for Filipinos

• The Philippines has been listed by Taiwan as a visa waiver program candidate since October 7th of last year, and on Thursday, Premier William Lai has granted visa free entry for Filipino visitors.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held an intergovernmental meeting regarding the implementation of the new policy, and Filipino visitors can start enjoying a 14-day visa free entry soon.
• According to MOFA, the program is to provide incentives for Filipino citizens to visit and improve the interaction between citizens from both countries.

Fu Jen Catholic Hospital Opens after 17 Years of Waiting

• After 17 years of waiting and fotionur years of construc, Fu Jen Catholic University held the opening ceremony of its hospital on September 29th.
• According to Chiang Han-sheng, President of Fu Jen Catholic University, Fu Jen Hospital is the only medical institution of a Christian university in the Chinese speaking world, and it hopes to differentiate from other hospitals in Taiwan by prioritizing patients’ needs as well as fulfilling the catholic spirit of “Revere Heaven, Love Mankind.”
• The hospital will start offering health consulting on October 2nd and 3rd, then begin to offer free clinical sessions on October 5th and 6th through reservations. It will officially open doors to patients starting the week of October 9th.

Student Won the Red Dot Design Award through Banknotes with Taiwanese Ferns

• In order to honor Taiwan’s diversity of indigenous ferns, a team of student from Shu-te University designed a series of banknotes featuring ten different kinds of Taiwanese ferns.The delicate design and environmental friendly material won them “the Best of the Best” award at the 2017 Red Dot Design Award.
• The banknotes have also received widespread support on the internet, with many netizens suggesting that the government should consider replacing the current banknotes with these newly designed ones.

It’s Pride Month Again in Taiwan

• Yes, it’s that time of the year again. Every October, thousands of people in Taiwan and from around the world will gather in Taipei to join the biggest LGBTQ pride parade in Asia, and this week, Taipei Love Notes reminds us that it’s time to be ready for the annual pride parade through a reflection from last year.