National Cultural Award presented to 3 masters in various fields

Taipei, July 10 (CNA) The National Cultural Award was presented to author Wu Cheng (吳晟), Hakka traditional builder Fu Ming-guang (傅明光) and Taiwanese opera performer Yang Li-hua (楊麗花) during a ceremony on Thursday.

Sponsored by the Executive Yuan, the award was presented in recognition of their outstanding achievements in literature, cultural heritage and traditional arts, according to the Ministry of Culture.

Wu is one of Taiwan's most representative literary figures, known for using poetry and prose to document the lives of farmers and the land.

In his acceptance speech, Wu said that his every small achievement comes from the collective support and resources of Taiwanese society.

Fu, a master bricklayer of traditional Hakka architecture, has worked in construction and restoration for over 60 years. Renowned for his craftsmanship, he has helped preserve historic buildings and temples across Taiwan.

In his speech, Fu called for improvements to the working environment on public heritage restoration projects. "Only by improving the environment can traditional building restoration be truly passed down," he said.

During the award ceremony, Yang expressed hope that more TV stations will produce Taiwanese opera rather than only airing reruns.

Yang has devoted her life to the performing arts, mastering a variety of forms and creating numerous legendary works, from indoor Taiwanese opera to radio, film and television.

Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) presented the awards.

Minister of Culture Li Yuan (李遠) remarked humorously in his speech, saying that "The premier asked me if I've ever received this award. I said it's not my turn yet because I'm only in my 70s, while all three recipients here today are over 80. I'm still young."

Each recipient of this year's Executive Yuan Cultural Award received a medallion and a certificate, along with prize money of NT$1 million (US$34,182).