[Kaohsiung News] Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai chaired the municipal administrative meeting on March 3. The Social Affairs Bureau first delivered a briefing titled “Advancing Gender Equality, Empowering Women: Kaohsiung’s Achievements in Promoting Gender Equality.” After hearing the report, Mayor Chen noted that Kaohsiung received an Excellent rating in the Executive Yuan’s 2024 Gender Equality Evaluation, and thanked all bureaus and departments for their joint efforts. He asked city agencies to continue placing gender equality governance at the core of policymaking, paying attention to the differing needs of people of different genders and diverse groups, strengthening service accessibility and fairness, and deepening public-private collaboration networks to build a friendly, livable, and happy city.
Emphasizing the importance of citizens’ health and daily well-being, Mayor Chen also reviewed the current situation and response measures related to enterovirus, dengue fever, and hantavirus. With schools having recently resumed classes, he instructed the Department of Health to continue monitoring outbreaks of viral gastroenteritis. He also asked the Education Bureau to strengthen public awareness campaigns on preventing norovirus and enterovirus infections, encouraging frequent handwashing and proper environmental disinfection. In addition, teachers and students returning from Southeast Asia should carry out two weeks of self-health management, and those experiencing suspected dengue symptoms should suspend work or classes and seek medical screening promptly.
Regarding hantavirus prevention, Mayor Chen directed the Economic Development Bureau and the Agriculture Bureau to continue strengthening environmental cleanup, bleach disinfection, and rodent control in high-risk areas such as markets, vendor areas, night markets, and commercial districts. He also asked the Civil Affairs Bureau, Department of Health, and Environmental Protection Bureau to promote the “Three Nos for Rodent Prevention” campaign: no entry for rodents, no shelter for rodents, and no food for rodents, in order to maintain sanitation in daily living environments, reduce disease transmission risks, and eliminate rodent infestations.
Meanwhile, Kaohsiung continues to host a wide range of exciting events. Following the successful conclusion of Kaohsiung Wonderland, Mayor Chen thanked the Tourism Bureau and participating agencies for their efforts. He also highlighted the globally anticipated 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC). From March 5 to March 8, the Sports Development Bureau and the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying) will jointly host live broadcast events at Weiwuying Banyan Plaza. For the March 6 game against Japan, which will take place in the evening, the main cheering stage at Weiwuying will be relocated to the outdoor lawn area to enhance the viewing atmosphere. A dual-screen cheering setup will also be introduced so that more fans can join in the excitement. In addition, to rally support across the entire city, a second cheering venue will be set up for the first time at the southern plaza of the Kaohsiung National Stadium. On March 6, Kaohsiung will adopt a dual-venue cheering mode, with the TSG Wing Stars cheerleading squad joining fans in the city to create the most passionate baseball viewing event in southern Taiwan and cheer on Team Taiwan together.
Mayor Chen said that the games are expected to be thrilling matchups and noted that a 400-inch giant screen will be used for live broadcasts. He emphasized that the atmosphere of cheering together at a live viewing event is completely different from watching at home. He also remarked that one of baseball’s greatest charms is that the outcome remains uncertain until the final out of the ninth inning. He expressed confidence that the Taiwanese team will demonstrate strong teamwork and skill, strive for excellent results, and invited citizens to come together to support and cheer for Team Taiwan.
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1. At the municipal administrative meeting on March 3rd, the Social Affairs Bureau and the Department of Health presented reports on Kaohsiung’s gender equality initiatives and epidemic prevention efforts. Mayor Chen Chi-mai emphasized placing gender equality governance at the core of policymaking and addressing the differing needs of various genders and diverse groups. He also instructed relevant bureaus and departments to continue monitoring enterovirus, dengue fever, and hantavirus while strengthening public awareness of disease prevention measures to reduce transmission risks.
2. Mayor Chen Chi-mai invited citizens to gather in Kaohsiung to watch the live broadcasts of the globally anticipated 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) and cheer on Team Taiwan together.