FGS Philippines at Taipei International Vegetarian Culture Festival

FOGUANG Shan (FGS) Philippines and the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Philippines showcased Filipino products at the “2024 International Vegetarian Culture Festival ─ Joyous Vego Lifestyle” held at the Taipei World Trade Center from May 10 to 13. The event also featured a Prayer for Buddha’s Birthday and World Peace on May 12. Among the highlights were papaya soup, banana chips, virgin coconut oil, and dried mango, beloved for their natural flavors. BLIA advisor, Dharma Brother Erwin Choa, received honorary guests FGS Abbot Most Venerable HsinBau and Chancellor of FGS Cultural Council Most Venerable Yi Kong, alongside BLIA Pasig President Dharma Sister Betty Choa, Lily So, and Ngo-ngoChoa from the BLIA Hong Kong subchapter.

Lily So has been volunteering at vegetarian expos in Taipei and mainland China since 2012, where she has showcased a diverse array of Filipino delicacies, beverages, handcrafted arts, and goods. She expressed gratitude, stating, “I am thankful to the Venerable Master for transforming me from a housewife to a proud Vegetarian Ambassador.”

For 16 consecutive years, the Merit Times Newspaper has been organizing vegetarian expos centered around the theme of "Environmental and Spiritual Preservation." These expos aim to foster collaboration among industry, government, academia, and education to promote environmentally friendly vegetarian food and drive ecological development within the vegetarian food industry.

With the ethos of "vegetarianism, environmental protection, and love for the earth," this year's event seeks to integrate sustainability into vegetarianism, in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The expo features 400 booths across 8 main areas and 20 immersive sections, representing 200 government agencies, members of the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA), various religious groups, vegetarians, and plantbased health-conscious product companies.

The 8 main areas include the FoGuang Shan Main Pavilion, International Vegetarian Food, Vegetarian Food, Health and Wellness, Religious Literature and Goods, Carbon Reduction, Food and Agricultural Education, and Sporting Goods.

Venerable Yung Guang, the Head Abbess of FGS Philippines, wholeheartedly endorsed the innovative initiatives promoting a meatless diet and sustainable lifestyle. She emphasized the importance of reading, exercise, and spiritual practice in achieving these goals. Venerable Yung Guang also acknowledged the contributions of FGS education institutions and consortium universities at the expo, which showcased creative culinary delights and performing arts to the public