Yilan City doubles Chongyang Festival gift for elderly; candidate praises move

Yilan City in Taiwan has significantly enhanced its Chongyang Festival (Double Ninth Festival) benefits for the elderly, with centenarians now eligible to receive up to NT$30,000. This increase, announced by incumbent Mayor Chen Mei-ling, aims to provide greater support for the city's senior population.

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The ultimate goal of healthy competition in policy proposals is to allow citizens to live better lives.

The enhanced benefits see a substantial rise across age groups. Elders aged 65 to 79 will now receive NT$1,200, up from NT$600. Those aged 80 to 89 will get NT$2,000, an increase from NT$800. Recipients aged 90 to 99 will receive NT$6,600, up from NT$2,000. The most significant boost is for those aged 100 and above, whose gift increases from NT$20,000 to NT$30,000. Approximately 19,500 elderly residents are expected to benefit from these changes.

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There is still room for improvement in the overall plan.

Mayoral candidate Han Ying of the Democratic Progressive Party lauded the city government's decision, noting that she had proposed doubling the Chongyang gift back in May. She views this as a positive example of political competition benefiting citizens. While acknowledging the city's step, Han Ying suggested further improvements, particularly for centenarians, advocating for a NT$50,000 gift instead of the announced NT$30,000. She also emphasized the need for policies that support both the elderly and young families, advocating for increased childbearing subsidies to match neighboring townships.

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Competition leads to progress.