[Kaohsiung News] Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai stated during the municipal administrative meeting on March 10 that the city’s sports center initiative has delivered strong results, reflecting citizens’ strong support for high-quality exercise facilities. The city government originally planned to build 10 sports centers in 2021, later expanding the plan to 14 centers in 2022. To date, nine centers are already in operation, and five additional centers—in Gushan, Sanmin, Nanzikeng, Lujhu, and Xiaogang—are expected to open before the end of this year, bringing the total to 14. Mayor Chen emphasized that the city will ensure each sports center is completed on schedule and to the highest standards, providing residents with accessible and high-quality spaces for physical activity.
During the meeting, the Sports Development Bureau delivered a special report on the progress of the Kaohsiung Sports Center program. The report noted that overall usage increased significantly, rising from 1.31 million visits in 2024 to 2.15 million visits in 2025. For administrative districts that do not yet have a sports center, the city has introduced mobile fitness vans that travel to rural and remote communities, offering exercise services for older adults. These mobile units serve more than 30 community locations annually and provide structured exercise programs designed to improve muscle strength and endurance among seniors. The program served approximately 3,500 participants in 2024 and 4,500 participants in 2025. With the addition of a second mobile fitness van this year, service capacity is expected to double. As newly constructed sports centers gradually begin operations, Kaohsiung’s sports facility network will become increasingly comprehensive.
The municipal administrative meeting also approved a supplementary budget proposal and advance payment appropriations to be submitted to the City Council for review. The supplementary budget focuses on three key priorities. First, to support families and reduce the financial burden on parents, the city will provide free nutritious lunches at all public junior high and elementary schools, benefiting approximately 190,000 students citywide. The supplementary budget for this measure exceeds NT$1.1 billion.
Second, the city will significantly expand benefits under the Senior Citizen Card program, increasing the allowance to 600 points per month to make transportation and daily activities more convenient for older residents.
Beginning in July this year, the annual allowance of 1,200 points will be replaced with 600 points per month, supported by a supplementary budget of approximately NT$160 million. In addition to the increased allowance, the program will also expand eligible uses to include registration fees at public municipal hospitals and health centers, while the point deduction for contracted taxi services will be increased to 85 points per trip, further improving daily mobility and convenience for seniors.
Third, in response to tariff pressures and global economic impacts, city departments have proposed a range of support measures accompanied by additional funding. These initiatives will assist groups including farmers, fishermen, traditional industries, and market vendors, while also strengthening employment support for young people. In addition, advance payment appropriations totaling more than NT$80 million from the previous fiscal year will also be submitted to the City Council for review.
A series of major events will take place in Kaohsiung starting in mid-March, including the Kaohsiung Sakura Festival, the “Mazu Escort! Straw Hat Pirates Parade,” and the Megaport Festival. Mayor Chen instructed relevant departments to assist with traffic management and actively promote city marketing efforts to stimulate Kaohsiung’s economy. In response to recent workplace safety incidents, the city government will also strengthen occupational safety measures and require businesses to reinforce workplace safety management in order to reduce occupational accidents.
Before the meeting, Finance Bureau Director-General Lee Chiung-hui took the oath of office. Mayor Chen also presented awards to 20 borough chiefs who have served for more than 30 years, recognizing them with the 2025 Third-Class Interior Affairs Professional Medal of the Ministry of the Interior in appreciation of their long-standing dedication and contributions to public service.
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The municipal administrative meeting approved a supplementary budget proposal and advance payment appropriations for submission to the City Council, including measures such as free nutritious lunches at public junior high and elementary schools, increased Senior Citizen Card allowances, and support programs to address tariff-related impacts.
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Mayor Chen Chi-mai presented the 2025 Third-Class Interior Affairs Professional Medal of the Ministry of the Interior to borough chiefs in recognition of their long-standing service and dedication to grassroots municipal governance.
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Finance Bureau Director-General Lee Chiung-hui took the oath of office during the municipal administrative meeting.