Mayor’s remarks:
1. The severe deluge of August 23, 2018, bears great historical significance in Taiwan. Although the affected region was considerably smaller than that inflicted by Morakot, flooding will also be accompanied by negative public sentiment. The flood season and the pandemic have yet to pass. Therefore, I urge the Environmental Protection Bureau, Bureau of Civil Affairs, Public Works Bureau, Water Resource Bureau, and other relevant bureaus and departments to work together in this time of risk. Gutter cleaning work before and during flood season must persist. I ask that Deputy Mayor Tai work together with the Public Works Bureau and Water Resource Bureau to devise standard operating procedures for gutter cleaning. I would also like to thank the Public Works Bureau in particular for their outstanding response to the emergency repair of roads damaged the recent downpour.
2. We are the first city in Taiwan to send out compensation to farmers for crop damage. I ask that farmers declare their losses truthfully. Falsifying claims is a criminal offense and punishable by law. I also implore our colleagues at the Agricultural Bureau and various district offices to actively advising claimants against coveting small profits at the risk of prosecution.
Announcements
1. The Economic Development Bureau’s report on the 2021 Tainan Shopping Festival (refer to written sources for details)
Decision: Approved for reference filing
Mayor’s remarks:
(1) This year’s Shopping Festival has been slightly delayed compared to last year (July 15) amid the pandemic. As COVID-19 still posed a substantial risk to public health on July 15 of this year, we decided to postpone the start of the event to today (August 23) and extend it until February next year. I encourage citizens to take advantage of the 5x stimulus vouchers and Tainan’s many e-commerce platforms to strike a bargain while promoting consumption in Tainan.
(2) Bureaus and departments must keep an eye out for the latest stimulus plans announced by the Central Government, such as the recent sports-related spending vouchers, tourism vouchers, and e-vouchers, and make a conscious effort to remind the public to choose the electronic option over paper currency to minimize contact.
2. The Agricultural Bureau’s report on the adjustments of wentan production and sales in Tainan City (refer to written sources for details)
Decision: Approved for reference filing
Mayor’s remarks:
(1) The yield of wentan this year is expected to be 5% more than last year. Tainan wentan is the first to be harvested in Taiwan. It’s also highly sought after for its quality. These advantages are opportunities for early marketing. There are almost 30 days before Mid-Autumn Festival. Let us concentrate our efforts on showcasing Tainan wentan.
(2) Last year, exports accounted for 5.4% of all wentan sales. The expected overall volume is slightly smaller this year at roughly 5%. The Central Government offers subsidies for the transportation costs of exported goods. Therefore, I urge the Agricultural Bureau to ramp up marketing efforts in our export markets and create new demand for Tainan wentan.