TAINAN, Taiwan – August 3, 2025 — Torrential rains have once again pummeled Tainan, leading to significant flooding and renewed frustrations among residents. In response, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Acting Secretary-General Ho Po-wen joined volunteers on the ground yesterday to assist in clean-up efforts in Houbi District, drawing both praise and skepticism online.
Ho, seen covered in mud while using a shovel to clear a drainage ditch near Jingliao Elementary School, was commended by some for his hands-on approach. However, the gesture quickly became the center of a heated social media debate after Yunlin vegetable farmer Lin Jiaxin posted a photo and commentary on Facebook that questioned the effectiveness and sincerity of the effort.
“This is the dredging I remember,” Lin wrote alongside an image of a ditch and shovel. “Maybe I’m just a simple farmer who doesn’t get it. But it seemed odd to me.”
Lin’s post took a satirical tone, referencing the DPP’s long-standing rhetoric about defending Taiwan, even likening the shovel effort to Vietnam War-style tunnel digging. “From the Secretary-General down, it’s like they’re practicing for resistance. Today he was just showcasing his skills,” he remarked.
Lin concluded by calling for more practical measures: “This is a disaster zone. Can we focus on doing what really works?”
His post ignited widespread reactions online, with comments ranging from supportive to critical. “If you act, you’re a hero — but act realistically!” wrote one netizen. Others questioned the motives behind the public display, suggesting it was more for publicity than for actual relief: “Why not use excavators? Oh right — the camera shot wouldn’t fit everyone in,” one comment read.
Several users also pointed to the perceived hypocrisy, recalling past criticisms aimed at former Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu for similar disaster management tactics. “Isn’t this the same thing the DPP used to mock others for?” asked another commenter.
While the DPP has not formally responded to the online backlash, the incident highlights growing public frustration over the government’s handling of recurring flood disasters and the expectation for more efficient and professional disaster response.
