"This presidential commendation is a precious achievement made possible by the diverse policies and on-the-ground efforts to overcome the low birth rate," said Jeon Seong-su, mayor of Seoul's Seocho-gu, after becoming the only autonomous district in Seoul to receive a presidential commendation at the 15th Population Day ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare on Friday.
The commendation is awarded to individuals and organizations that have contributed to addressing demographic challenges such as low birth rates and aging. Seocho-gu was recognized for systematically advancing life-cycle policies spanning marriage, pregnancy, childbirth, childcare and work-life balance, and for its contributions to improving the environment for having and raising children.
In the area of pregnancy and childbirth, the district became the first in the country to introduce a certification system for postpartum and newborn health management services, raising the quality of care available to new mothers. It has also consistently expanded residential support through a loan interest subsidy program for jeonse and monthly rent deposits targeting newlyweds and youth, helping to build the housing stability that underpins marriage and childbirth. The district also runs infertility prevention education and parenting programs to promote a healthy culture around pregnancy and birth.
In childcare and support services, Seocho-gu led the way by becoming the first in the country to operate three programs — Seocho Childminder, Grandparent Childminder and 119 Emergency Childminder — to close gaps in childcare coverage. Through its maternal and child health clinic and child development center, the district has strengthened health management for infants and toddlers and support for child development, while easing the burden on parents through shared childcare arrangements and baby equipment rental services.
The district has also strengthened policies to support work-life balance. It became the first in the country to offer a paternity leave incentive grant, and operates a mothers' wellness center and a fathers' center to encourage greater parental involvement in childcare and spread a family-friendly culture.
The paternity leave incentive grant provides financial support to fathers who take parental leave for a set period, with the aim of encouraging men to use their leave entitlements. It has been recognized as a model for expanding male participation in childcare and has become a benchmark for local governments across the country.
In addition, the district has worked to build a community environment where families can spend time together, through events such as a family outing competition, a Seocho family walking festival and a gender statistics forum.
"This presidential commendation is a precious achievement made possible by the diverse policies we have pursued and the efforts of those working on the ground to overcome the low birth rate," Jeon said. "We will continue to advance policies that residents can feel at every stage of marriage, pregnancy, childbirth and child-rearing, and build a Seocho where children, parents and families can all be happy."
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
