TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) handed out lucky bags to the public during a visit to Taiwan Sacrificial Rites Martial Temple in Tainan Wednesday morning.

Speaking to the crowd, Lai noted that Taiwan has faced multiple challenges in recent months, including earthquakes in Tainan, typhoons, and flooding in Hualien. He praised the efforts of citizens and industries, saying their cooperation has helped the country overcome these obstacles, according to CNA.

Lai also highlighted Taiwan’s strong economic growth and stock market performance over the past Year of the Snake. He encouraged citizens to remain confident in the country’s prospects for the year ahead.

He expressed hope that the national budget, currently stalled in the legislature, would be approved quickly so economic development can continue, as it funds both central and local projects that support citizens. He also said Taiwan must strengthen its defense capabilities in the face of threats from China and called for passage of the special defense budget.

Lai outlined plans to enhance public welfare, including support for children aged zero to six, tuition-free senior high schools, subsidies for private university tuition, continued promotion of long-term care programs, and attention to vulnerable groups. “This is the purpose of government and the value of economic development,” he said.

On Tuesday afternoon, Lai visited Madou Datian Temple to offer prayers for the new year, accompanied by Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲). Crowds of residents gathered to welcome them, according to the Tainan City Government.

Huang noted that Lai has been visiting communities across Taiwan during the Lunar New Year holiday and said his visit to the temple shows his continued care for Tainan residents and wishes for a safe, prosperous year. He added that Lai’s infrastructure projects as Tainan mayor laid a strong foundation for the city’s development.