Chiayi's Wu Pin-ruei Proposes Childcare Policies: Boost Birth Subsidies, Add More Childcare Centers

Wu Pin-ruei, a candidate for Chiayi County Magistrate and the current mayor of Puzi City, has unveiled a detailed childcare policy aimed at addressing the declining birthrate and population outflow in the region. Her platform emphasizes making Chiayi a place where residents feel empowered and supported to have and raise children, tackling the concerns of young parents who cite anxieties over childcare, education, and work-life balance.

Wu's proposed policies include a substantial increase in birth subsidies: NT$15,000 for the first child, NT$30,000 for the second, NT$45,000 for the third, and NT$100,000 for the fourth child and beyond. Over the next four years, she plans to establish 30 new public childcare centers across the county, creating over 1,000 new public childcare spots. This initiative aims to ensure that all 18 townships and cities in Chiayi have access to public childcare services. Additionally, the plan includes setting up 10 night-time and flexible childcare centers to support families with non-traditional work schedules and dual-income households.

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Young parents often say they don't 'not want to have children,' but rather 'don't dare to have children,' worrying about childcare, education, and work-life balance.

Beyond childcare, Wu's platform, dubbed "Pin Education," focuses on enhancing the quality of education and preparing children for the future. This involves upgrading educational facilities, improving seismic resistance in older school buildings, and equipping classrooms with smart learning technology. The policy also seeks to foster international perspectives through educational exchanges and strengthen vocational education by deepening industry-academia collaboration and internship opportunities. The goal is to equip children with future competitiveness within Chiayi, reducing the need for them to leave the region for better prospects.

Wu stated that if elected, she would prioritize children's futures by building a comprehensive support system that covers childcare, education, and employment. She believes the government must act as a strong pillar of support for families to effectively combat the challenges of a low birthrate and population drain. Her vision is to create a supportive ecosystem that allows children to thrive in Chiayi, ensuring they can build their futures in their hometown.

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If the government cannot become the strongest support for families, it is difficult to truly change the low birthrate and population outflow.