Transition from old to new: Panchiao

When one thinks of Panchiao, the Lin Family Garden comes immediately to mind. In the early history of Panchiao, the Lins played a leading role in developing the area, following in the footsteps of Lin Chen-chu, a Fukien native who came in the reign of Yung Cheng, to start agricultural settlements there in the period of Chien Lung. At that time, there were only a few rural villages and stores dotted here and there among the rice fields.

Today virtually a suburb of Taipei, Panchiao is named after a wooden bridge which connected it with Hsinchuang across the Tamsui River in olden times. A new state of development started when the family of Lin Pin-ho moved from the mainland to Panchiao. At a cost of 500,000 tael, Lin set up eight traditional Chinese houses and a delicately designed garden on an area of 17,000 ping (1 ping = 36 sq. ft.) Through the diplomacy and enthusiasm of Lin's descendants, local opposition to their efforts was overcome, and all the people combined to develop the area. Among the most important establishments of this era was the Takuan Book Association, the inspiration of Panchiao's educational and cultural progress.

When Taiwan was recovered from Japanese occupation in 1945, the village had only three elementary schools and a senior high school to serve a population of 25,000. With the moving of the Taipei County government to Panchiao two years later, however, full-scale development was started. By 1969, the population had reached 100,000, and industry had gradually started to replace agriculture as a main economic activity. To maintain the growth of social and economic development at the same pace, seven elementary schools, two junior highs, three senior highs and four colleges were established. When Panchiao was elevated to township status by 1972, the population exceeded 300,000 and a new vista had already been opened up.

The biggest change of all is provided by the opening of approximately 2,000 light industrial establishments, of them 100 have investments of more than NT$10 million (US$280,000) and 300 more than NT$5 million (US$140,000). Items made by these factories range from machinery components to garments and wooden furniture.

The largest of the factories is the branch of the internationally renowned Far Eastern Textile Ltd. During the past 30 years, through the talents and perseverance of board chairman Hsu Yu-ziang, the company has expanded from a land area of 700 to 100,000 ping, and currently employs more than 8,000 people in the Panchiao area. Among Hsu's philanthropic endeavors are the establishment of the Yatong Junior College of Technology and a modern hospital which is currently under construction. In addition to working in factories, many Panchiao residents are in private business or work for the government.

Of the scenic spots in the area, the Lin Family Garden is still probably the best-known. Now time-worn and crumbling, it is being vigorously renovated by the Taipei County government. Another leading attraction is the Tatung Watery Playground which covers an area of thousands of ping and provides recreation facilities for children and adults alike. In addition, there are numerous temples, gardens and sporting grounds, and of course, the annual county sports meet provides an opportunity for young people to show their prowess.

The most obvious symptoms of economic progress are the high-rise apartments and broad thoroughfares which have replaced the shanties and alleys of former days. Panchiao residents are most proud of their development of a community system. This system, achieved in Taiwan's free and democratic society is in stark contrast to the people's communes on the Communist-controlled China mainland .

The Communists call for the people to "contribute what you can, and take what you need." But this is only superficial. In fact, the Communists are doing everything they can to break the family system so they can isolate every individual, and therefore control all the people. From the earliest times in China, however, the family has been a stabilizing force in society, and the basis of the deep-rooted ethical and moral law which has been developed.

The community system in Taiwan is based on the family. Promoting social, material and spiritual well-being is a multi-lateral and multi-objective endeavor. To solve the problems of providing food, clothing, housing, transportation, education, health and happiness is the main goal. It is hoped that through development of the community, the whole of society will be renovated to fulfil the ideals of Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Three Principles of the People.

By the end of last year, 12 out of 14 proposed communities in Panchiao had been completed, and the remaining two will be finished before the end of next year. In each community, a board of trustees will be installed to implement all the development plans, which can be roughly divided into three categories:

First, to expand the well-to-do program. Emphasis is placed on eliminating poverty by providing work, accommodation and medical care rather than an outright grant. The board of trustees will also help to promote the "turn-your-living-room-into-a-workshop" ideal to encourage low-income people to take up a part-time job in their homes. The establishment of more old people's homes and nurseries, and providing work for women are also included in plans to improve overall living standards.

Second, to eliminate dirt and disorder. The board of trustees will help people in the community to map out programs to strengthen hygiene education, cultivate good habits in maintaining a clean and tidy environment, and improve public sanitary facilities.

Third, to expand social education. Social work will be increased in schools to help correct unhealthy customs and morals. Cultural education, recreational and sports activities, such as Mama Class, Longevity Club and Boy Scout meetings will be held continuously to improve the residents' spiritual life.

So far, Panchiao has a proud record in the implementation of the community program. This new and vibrant city has great potential for further development.