Lee Sze-chuan Recalls Father's Detention by Philippines; Su Chiao-hui Releases Medical Endorsement Video

(Central News Agency, reporters Wang Hong-guo and Huang Xu-sheng, New Taipei City, 3rd) In response to Japan and the Philippines initiating negotiations on their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf maritime boundaries, New Taipei City mayoral candidate Lee Sze-chuan (KMT) posted on Facebook today, stating, "I am a child of a fisherman. I believe Taiwan's fishermen need the nation to be their backing." Over 40 years ago, it was his father who was taken away in the waters between Taiwan and the Philippines. Speaking at a preparatory meeting for the Northern Taiwan Mazu Cultural Festival, Lee elaborated on his post, saying fishermen demand safety and urging the government to take a firm stance in international negotiations, as maritime boundaries affect fishermen's livelihoods. He recalled that when he was in sixth grade, his father went fishing and did not return for 15 days. They later learned he had been captured by the Philippines, and the family had to pool money through a rotating credit association to secure his release. Lee called on the government to ensure fishermen can fish safely and return home safely through international negotiations. Separately, the campaign office of DPP New Taipei City mayoral candidate Su Chiao-hui released the 10th short video in the "Medical Professionals Cheer for Chiao-hui" series. In the video, Chang Wan-ling, chairperson of the New Taipei City Long-Term Care Development Association, shared how Su successfully secured pandemic subsidies for caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Su noted that the Ministry of Health and Welfare launched the "Subsidy Program for Building Residential Long-Term Care Facilities" in 2018, and she successfully expanded its subsidy scope in 2023 to address the uneven distribution of residential facilities for people with moderate-to-severe disabilities. Su mentioned that the government has also increased subsidies for residents in these facilities to NT$120,000 per year to ease family financial burdens. She emphasized that 13 districts in New Taipei City still lack sufficient residential facilities, and her goal is to make long-term care services not only "findable" but also "affordable and usable." (Editor: Lin Shu-hui) 1150603