Chiayi City GovernmentChiayi City Government

Chiayi City Launches Children’s Month Program with 30 Cross-Department Activities for Families Post Date: April 3 Social Affairs Department  / Tourism and Information Department To celebrate Children’s Day, the Chiayi City Government on April 3 launched its Children’s Month program at Chiayi Park with the “Jhuluo Forest Gathering – Be Hero” family-oriented event, marking the start of a month-long series of activities. Mayor Huang Min-hui attended the event and joined more than 330 families in interactive activities, including group exercises, themed challenges, and a treasure hunt. The program features 30 activities organized through cross-department collaboration, highlighting the city’s integrated approach to child-friendly initiatives. Mayor Huang encouraged parents to spend time with their children through activities centered on physical engagement, sensory development, and exploration, reinforcing the importance of family participation in child development. Mayor Huang noted that Chiayi Park holds shared memories for many residents and expressed appreciation for the strong participation of families. She emphasized that the city continues to promote a child-friendly environment by integrating education, public safety, and cultural learning into everyday experiences. The program is jointly implemented by multiple city departments in collaboration with partner organizations, including cultural groups and public safety and health agencies. Activity stations are designed around key themes such as children’s rights, anti-fraud awareness, drug prevention, disaster preparedness, reading culture, mother-tongue learning, and health education, presented through interactive, scenario-based experiences. The program also incorporates social and emotional learning (SEL) and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supporting the development of children’s resilience, awareness, and problem-solving skills. Participants receive a disaster-preparedness kit upon completing the challenges, extending safety education into daily life. According to Social Affairs Department Director Li Szu-hsien, the program integrates values such as responsibility and problem-solving into its design, encouraging children to apply knowledge through participation. The city aims to strengthen early awareness of safety and civic responsibility through accessible and engaging formats. The Chiayi City Government noted that Children’s Month activities will continue throughout April, including family fairs, astronomy education programs, cultural markets, parent-child workshops, and reading initiatives. These efforts reflect the city’s continued commitment to building a supportive environment for children and families through coordinated, cross-department initiatives.  

Chiayi City to Launch Free School Lunch Program for All Students Beginning 2026 Academic Year Post Date: April 2 Department of Education  / Tourism and Information Department   The Chiayi City Government announced that it will launch a free school lunch program for all students in public elementary and junior high schools beginning in the 2026 academic year. Mayor Huang Min-hui announced on April 2 during the city’s Children’s Day celebration and model student awards ceremony at Lantan Junior High School. The policy will be supported by an additional budget of NT$75 million, aiming to enhance student nutrition and ensure that children not only have access to meals but also eat well and healthily. At the event, Mayor Huang presented awards to 197 outstanding students from kindergartens and elementary schools, recognizing their achievements in academic performance, character development, and community engagement. She noted that Chiayi City continues to promote a supportive and inclusive education environment, emphasizing the core philosophy that "teaching children who will shape the future" is a central priority of her governance. Mayor Huang stated that, despite fiscal challenges, the city has consistently prioritized investment in education, with the education budget now accounting for 37.3 percent of total expenditures. Over the years, the city has implemented a range of policies, including free textbooks and expanded digital learning resources. Chiayi City has also advanced digital education initiatives in response to technological development, including full tablet access for teachers and an accelerated plan to provide one device per student. The establishment of the Smart Education Center further reflects the city’s efforts to integrate digital tools and teaching resources. In addition, the city government has continued to allocate funding to maintain and improve school meal programs, including covering costs previously supported by the central government, such as food ingredients and subsidies for disadvantaged students. Meal standards have also been raised to improve food quality without increasing costs for families. Mayor Huang emphasized that the upcoming launch of the free school lunch program continues the city’s broader education policy framework. Existing measures—including free textbooks, classroom air conditioning, digital learning access, and nutrition programs—have been implemented in a phased and systematic manner. The Chiayi City Government stated that the policy will ensure equitable access to school meals and strengthen food education for students. The city also called on the central government to establish a nationwide framework and funding mechanism to support consistent and sustainable implementation of free school lunch programs across Taiwan.  

Chiayi City Introduces Travel Subsidy Program to Encourage Domestic Tourism Post Date: March 26 Tourism and Information Department The Chiayi City Government announced on March 26 the introduction of an accommodation subsidy program aimed at encouraging domestic tourism. With a total budget of NT$20 million, the program provides subsidies of up to NT$1,000 per room per night. Applications are now open online, and eligible travelers may begin using the subsidy for stays from April 13, 2026. The initiative follows a year of strong tourism performance. In 2025, Chiayi City recorded over 2.17 million accommodation stays, marking a new high. Mayor Huang Min-hui noted that the city has continued to strengthen its tourism appeal, with visitor patterns shifting from short stopovers to longer, purpose-driven visits. Major attractions include the Cultural Road Night Market and the Chiayi Art Museum, both of which recorded high visitor numbers. Mayor Huang stated that, despite challenges such as global economic fluctuations and the impact of Typhoon Danas, the city’s tourism sector maintained steady growth. Since 2020, the city government has implemented a series of tourism incentive programs in coordination with national initiatives. Including the current program, total tourism-related subsidies over the past seven years have reached approximately NT$125 million, reflecting sustained policy support for the industry. Director Cheng Ya-wen of the Tourism and Information Department explained that travelers may complete online registration and book accommodations with participating providers. The program includes a range of lodging options, from guesthouses to hotels, to meet diverse travel needs. Further details are available on the official website (https://www.chiayistay.com.tw/). The city government noted that additional activities and promotional programs will be launched to further support tourism, including cultural events, markets, and sporting activities. These efforts are intended to enhance visitor engagement and encourage local spending. The Chiayi City Government invites visitors to explore the city through extended stays, supported by convenient transportation options and a wide range of cultural and culinary experiences.