The Filipino-Chinese community in Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental celebrated the 66th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China with a cultural celebration at the Atrium of the Limketkai Center last Friday, October 1st, in solidarity with other Chinese communities in China and around the world.
Leaders of the CDO Filipino-Chinese community raise a toast to the 66th founding anniversary of the PROC
Known as the National Day in China, the cultural event was preceded by a video presentation of China armed struggle during World War II against Japan.
This was followed by the singing of the national anthems of both the Philippines and the PROC and cultural presentations including the Dragon and Lion dances and various other dances and musical numbers presented by students from Kong Hua School and Oro Christian Grace School.
For the finale, prominent Filipino-Chinese leaders led by Mr. Johnny Lim raised a toast to the founding anniversary of the PROC followed by a community singing of “March of the Volunteers”, also formally known as the National Anthem of the PROC.
Fresh from a visit to Cebu where he attended the 66th founding anniversary celebration of the (PROC) and the Mid-Autumn Festival at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel last Sunday, Greg Marten Lao, president of the Misamis Oriental Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (MOFCCCII) said the local event is meant to improve understanding and bilateral relations between the two countries as stated in the message of newly appointed China Consular General Song Ronghua in his message to over a hundred Filipino-Chinese in Cebu.
“Facing the future, we should shoulder a common historical mission to develop the economy and build a harmonious Asia. Therefore, the two countries have no excuses to quarrel and should well develop their relations,” Mr. Song said.
Mr Johnny Lim giving the opening remarks
Relations between the two countries have been strained lately owing to tension arising from both countries claims in the West Philippine Sea, a portion of the South China Sea.
“Certainly, it is only natural that countries have some different propositions and views, and normal that they have disparities and contradictions in interests, but this should not be an obstacle for them to keep normal relations,” Song said in his speech, as reported in a Cebu daily.
The Consul General said economic partnership between China and the Philippines continues, especially now that China has replaced the United States as the Philippines’ second largest trading partner, after Japan.
Song said bilateral trade between the two countries now stands at US$40 billion while tourists from his country are now the fourth largest in the Philippines in terms of arrivals.
The diplomat also stressed how some 27 percent of Filipinos are of ethnic Chinese origin of which many have made significant contributions to the economic development of the Philippines.
Mr. Song committed to exert all effort to “fostering and consolidating friendship” among Filipinos and Chinese and promote socio-economic cooperation.
Filipino & Chinese flags adorning all tables as a symbol of solidarity
“Local cooperation between China and the Philippines enjoys a promising future, including disaster reduction and prevention, urban transportation, poverty reduction, environmental protection, education, and healthcare,” Mr. Ronghua said, adding that these must be done, “without being disturbed by any factor.”
In addition, he said he will serve as a bridge between both Chinese and Filipino businessmen to invest in both countries.
Song assured that his office will provide better services in his consular district.
2015 is the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the Philippines and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Chinese Consulate in Cebu.
The Philippines and China enjoy the fastest economic growth performances in the world, growing at not less than five percent annually, while global growth averages only three percent. (with a report from SunStar Cebu)
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