President Lai presents plaque in Pingtung, reiterates growth allowance and support for the vulnerable

Central News Agency, Pingtung County, May 23. President Lai Ching-te traveled south to Pingtung to attend the Presidential Office Concert. His first stop was the Daitian Temple in Pingtung City to present a plaque, where he interacted with residents and reiterated policies including a growth allowance for children aged 0 to 18, six major living allowances, and the upgrading and transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises. The Presidential Office Concert is held tonight at the Pingtung County Gymnasium. President Lai visited the Daitian Temple in the afternoon to present the plaque inscribed with 'Protecting the Land and Blessing the People.' Many of the temple's cadres and believers are from Tainan, and President Lai has visited many times, receiving a warm welcome from the locals. After presenting the plaque, President Lai stated in his speech that a monthly growth allowance of 5,000 NTD for children from 0 to 18 years old, totaling 1.08 million NTD by age 18, encourages people to marry and have children. He noted that not only children but also the elderly need care. Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Meng-an and Pingtung County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi both reminded him that farmers work hard and need support. Currently, eligibility for farmers' insurance has been relaxed, occupational accident insurance has been added, and farmers can receive pensions. President Lai pointed out that DPP legislators Chung Chia-pin and Hsu Fu-kuei have reminded him to care for the vulnerable. The Executive Yuan recently announced a comprehensive increase in six major living allowances: low-income households increased to 25,168 NTD, low-income student subsidies to 8,429 NTD, low-to-middle income elderly to a maximum of 10,286 NTD, low-income children to a maximum of 10,237 NTD, people with disabilities to a maximum of 11,713 NTD, and vulnerable children and adolescents to a maximum of 5,000 NTD. President Lai said that as the country progresses and the economy develops, government tax revenue should be used to care for those in need. SMEs face great difficulties, and the government will provide an additional 100 billion NTD to help SMEs and traditional industries transform. He also prayed for the country's peace and prosperity, urging everyone to unite against external threats and support the nation and the government.