President Tsai vows to improve Taiwan’s disaster management mechanisms

2021/01/21

President Tsai Ing-wen said Jan. 19 that the government is committed to improving Taiwan’s disaster management mechanisms while strengthening safety protocols for firefighters.
 
 The country has successfully responded to various kinds of disasters over the years, Tsai said. As part of efforts bolstering this capability, the government is implementing measures such as enhancing equipment, expanding personnel recruitment and upgrading emergency communications systems, she added.
 
 Tsai made the remarks when receiving winners of the 2020 Phoenix Award for outstanding firefighters at the Presidential Office in Taipei City.
 
 According to Tsai, regulatory efforts to do more for Taiwan’s courageous first responders are paying dividends. Standout examples include passage of the Standards for Identifying Dangerous Relief Rescue in 2020 and amendment of the Fire Services Act the year before, she said.
 
 This undertaking is complemented by the establishment of a public trust fund for firefighters’ medical care in 2019 by the National Fire Agency under the Ministry of the Interior, Tsai said, adding that the government will continue reviewing related laws and regulations while promoting personnel training to better safeguard staffer’s lives in the line of duty.

 Tsai also took the opportunity to express her sincere appreciation to every firefighter for their selfless sacrifices. These unsung heroes play a vital role in protecting the lives and property of the people, she added.

Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)