President Tsai Ing-wen said Dec. 18 that the government will continue to work with nongovernmental organizations to formulate comprehensive social welfare policies and ensure everyone is covered by the country’s social safety net.
Tsai made the remarks during a banquet for representatives from local NGOs organized by Taipei City-based Taiwan Social Welfare League in the capital.
To establish a solid social safety net is a goal shared by the country’s public and private sectors, Tsai said, adding that social welfare expenditure will account for the most expanded and highest budget in next year’s overall government spending.
The importance placed on social welfare is reflected in the national childcare policy budget for ages 0-6, which has increased from NT$15 billion (US$ 478.4 million) in 2016 to over NT$ 120 billion for 2024, Tsai said. The allocation for the long-term elderly care plan has risen from NT$5 billion in 2016 to over NT$87 billion for 2024, with 13,000 stations providing long-term care services, she added.
According to Tsai, the milestone Social Welfare Fundamental Act was promulgated earlier this year and helped secure the development of Taiwan’s social welfare system. An upcoming amendment to the Public Assistance Act and the draft of a social welfare policymaking guideline will further contribute to a better tomorrow for all, she said.
Following Tsai’s remarks, Vice President Lai Ching-te said the people of Taiwan will always offer assistance wherever it is needed. He praised TSWL for taking care of the underprivileged and cultivating personnel to make contributions to society. (YCH-E)
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from Taiwan Today – Top News