Mayor’s Remarks:
1. The City Council is currently holding an extraordinary session. During this session, council members review supplemental budget appropriations, advance payment proposals from various bureaus and departments, and receive a briefing on the city government’s response to the January 21st earthquake. Following the earthquake, our colleagues continued to provide uninterrupted services to affected residents throughout the Lunar New Year holiday. We sincerely appreciate their dedication and hard work. We should reflect on external criticism with a positive and open mindset, carefully evaluating concerns and addressing any shortcomings through necessary improvements. Compared to previous earthquake incidents, our disaster response and recovery efforts have been significantly more efficient this time. While we understand the urgency of rebuilding for affected residents, we must adhere to legal procedures. I urge all colleagues to expedite post-disaster reconstruction efforts. On behalf of our citizens, I extend my gratitude to religious and charitable organizations, such as the Tzu Chi Foundation, the Workers’ Charity Group, and the Hengshan Social Welfare Foundation, for their support. I also wish to thank individuals and organizations for their generous donations and express my appreciation to the technicians from the Structural Engineers Association, Professional Civil Engineers Association, and Architects Association for their tireless efforts.
2. The 2025 National Middle School Athletic Games is approaching. All relevant bureaus and departments are requested to make thorough preparations.
3. The 2025 Asia Pacific Orchid Conference and Taiwan International Orchid Show will conclude on March 23rd, with flower removal set to begin on March 24th. Orchids in good condition can be placed in public spaces, such as the Shan-Shang Garden and Old Waterworks Museum, Chihkan Tower, the City Museum, urban schools, and various government offices, to allow residents and tourists to appreciate the city’s cultivated orchids. All bureaus and departments are requested to plan accordingly in advance.
Reports
1. The Finance and Taxation Bureau presented a report on "The Relocation of Various Agencies to the Zengwen Municipality Vision Park and Planned Activities" (refer to written sources for details).
Resolution: Approved for reference filing.
Mayor’s Comments:
(1) The establishment of the Zengwen Municipality Vision Park marks Taiwan’s first successful case of repurposing, revitalizing, and transforming a former university campus. The park currently provides services, such as housing subsidies, community mental health support, services for people with disabilities, social welfare programs, and a charity bank. In the future, the Environmental Protection Bureau, the Citizens Sports Center, the Parent-Child Recreation Center, and the Child Care Center will gradually move in to enhance services further, ensuring that citizens' daily lives and activities remain closely connected with the city government. I appreciate the dedicated efforts of all involved bureaus and departments.
(2) Following the closure of Taiwan Shoufu University, the city government moved in and established operations on the campus in the shortest possible time, completing all necessary handover procedures to serve the Greater Zengwen community. To revitalize the park continuously, the woodball court has been renovated and will be used for this year’s National Middle School Athletic Games. Last year, the city organized a series of "City Vision" activities in the park, as well as this year's Children's Sports Festival, attracting widespread participation from local residents in the Zengweng area. These events have helped the community better understand the park's functions. I look forward to the Finance and Taxation Bureau and other departments stationed in the park continuing to provide thoughtful and comprehensive services to the public.
(3) The Education Bureau, Tourism and Travel Bureau, and other relevant departments are encouraged to organize actively various activities in the Zengwen Municipality Vision Park.
2. The Education Bureau presented a report on the "Shalun International Senior High School K–12 Project" (refer to written sources for details).
Resolution: Approved for reference filing.
Mayor’s Comments:
(1) Shalun International Senior High School is Taiwan’s first institution encompassing kindergarten through high school, with a curriculum that integrates a substantial proportion of bilingual education. Consequently, the school has generated significant interest among parents in the Shalun area, prompting some to relocate their household registrations. From an educational standpoint, we are pleased with this interest and look forward to welcoming more outstanding students to study here. However, from an administrative perspective and in consideration of students' learning rights, priority should be given to local residents, including children of both domestic and foreign high-tech professionals. The Education Bureau is urged to uphold this principle and, if enrollment reaches capacity, the Education Bureau should make advance preparations for total enrollment control, including establishing a fair lottery-based system for admissions.
(2) Schools surrounding Shalun International Senior High School can enhance their appeal by offering bilingual courses or bilingual extracurricular activities. This approach will help alleviate administrative challenges and address concerns from parents and local residents regarding the impact of Shalun International Senior High School's enrollment. The Education Bureau is requested to formulate strategies to improve the competitiveness of surrounding schools.