TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The New Taipei City Government will host a joint wedding ceremony for 100 couples on Oct. 19 to encourage marriage and address the city’s declining birth rate.
Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) attended a briefing on the event Sunday to congratulate the couples and outline childbirth subsidies and parenting allowances, per CNA.
According to the Civil Affairs Department, the briefing introduced the schedule and featured sessions on marriage and parenting. The ceremony will also include a raffle with prizes such as overseas travel packages, Apple Watches, and home appliances.
Hou said the city will increase childbirth incentive payments next year. The subsidy for a first child will rise from NT$30,000 (US$952) to NT$40,000; for a second child, from NT$40,000 to NT$45,000; and for a third child and beyond it will remain NT$50,000.
Starting in February, the city will expand its shuttle-service subsidy for pregnant women. Eligible applicants may apply before their due date for ride vouchers usable with designated providers for trips to and from medical facilities.
The number of subsidized rides will increase from 28 to 36, and the per-trip subsidy will rise from NT$200 to NT$250. The validity period will extend to six months after the due date to better support postpartum care, with about 8,000 beneficiaries expected annually.
From January to August 2024, New Taipei recorded 10,442 births and 20,655 deaths. Births ranked third among Taiwan’s six major cities, following Taipei and Taoyuan.
The city also offers an egg-freezing subsidy of up to NT$70,000. Women age 40 or younger are eligible if they or their spouses are registered New Taipei residents and fertility is affected by cancer or related treatments.
