PENGHU (TVBS News) — Penghu County (澎湖縣) has launched a new initiative to combat declining birth rates and support young families. Starting Jan. 1, the county increased its birth subsidies by offering NT$10,000 more for each newborn, according to a Liberty Times (自由時報) report on Monday (Jan. 13).
Babies born after Jan. 1 will receive NT$40,000 for the first child, NT$60,000 for the second, and NT$80,000 for the third and subsequent children. The subsidy for multiple births will be calculated per child, marking an upgrade in welfare benefits.
Eligibility requires one parent to have been a registered resident of Penghu for over two years, with applications submitted within three months of the baby's birth. Parents must provide a completed application form, household registration proof, a seal, and a copy of a bankbook cover, preferably from the post office, either in person or by mail to the local health office.
County Magistrate Chen Kuang-fu (陳光復) aims to alleviate economic pressure on families, acknowledging that the region faces an aging population and lower birth rates. Chen Shu-juan (陳淑娟), head of the county's health bureau, expressed hope that the enhanced subsidies will ease family burdens and create a nurturing environment for children.