23rd Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day calls for continued cooperation, mutual respect

CEBU CITY – June 9 of every year is celebrated as the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day and this year is the 23rd, and it also commemorated the 49th anniversary of the opening of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines and speakers at the event called for continued cooperation and mutual respect between the two countries.

“It was such longing for friendship that enabled the signing of the joint communique, signed by Chairman Mao Zedong and then President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the establishment of the diplomatic ties between our two countries,” recalled the Consul-General Zhang Zhen of the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Cebu.

In her keynote message, Consul-General Zhen said the joint communique has served as an overarching framework, guiding the relations through thick and thin. It underscores that the difference between the economic, political, and social systems of the two countries should not constitute an obstacle to peaceful coexistence and friendly relations, in accordance with the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Zhen added that given the current situation of China-PH bilateral relationship, it is extremely important to promote mutual understanding and take destiny into their own hands.  “We need to forge a closer bond between our peoples and open our hearts to each other,” the Consul-General said.

“It is truly an honor to have all of you here today as we celebrate the strong, enduring bond between the Filipino and Chinese community.  Let us celebrate this friendship day with joy, unity, and friendship,” Felix Guanzon, Board Director of the Association for Philippines-China Understanding Inc.- CEBU said in his welcome remarks at the event held on Sunday, June 9 at the Cebu Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce Social Hall.

Guanzon said, it is a day to honor the contribution of the Filipino-Chinese community to society and to recognize the rich cultural heritage that both serve.  He urged everyone to commit to building bridges of cooperation and mutual respect and working together toward a brighter future for both communities.  

Cebu Vice Governor Hilario Davide III recalled that Filipino and Chinese communities share history and cultural bonds, and the enduring spirit of friendship and cooperation that has flourished over nearly five decades.

“As we mark 49 years since the Philippines and China established four diplomatic relations, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment.   Obstacles may arise along the way. Nevertheless, we must continue to prioritize dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect by focusing on the common ground that unites us, rather than the differences that divide us,” Vice Governor Davide said.

Davide expressed the need for commitment to deepen further and broaden the cooperation between the two countries across all fields.

Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia’s message, read by Cebu City Councilor Jaypee Labella, recalled the long-standing relationship between China and Cebu, with the establishment of the first Chinese settlement in Parian district.

 “In Cebu, the mark of the Chinese is everywhere, with the Cebu Chinese community that is credited for the transformation of the once modest village into the vibrant Queen City of the South.  As we celebrate this special day, let us honor an enduring friendship between China and the Philippines, and reaffirm our commitment to strengthen the bonds of cooperation, understanding, and mutual respect,” Garcia pointed out.

Ami Li, one of the organizers of the event bared that this is the second year that a group of nine Chinese schools in Cebu spearheaded the commemoration of the Philippines Chinese Friendship Day that aims to celebrate Filipino Chinese Friendship Day through the music and art culture of the two countries.

The Cebu nine Chinese schools with Lahug Elementary School, made preparations for the event and this is the second year that the group prepared for this event, Li added that the group considers to continue to organize the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day for the next years to come.

The event also included the awarding of the winners of the 4th Chinese Language Competition. Bethany Christian School won first prize in both the elementary and high school categories, followed by Cebu Cherish School in second place and Childlink Learning Center and High School in third place.

The nine Chinese schools also presented Filipino and Chinese songs and dances while the Childlink Learning Center Rondalla played two pieces of music while the Lahug Elementary School teachers entertained the audience with a medley of old favorite songs. (Photos: MBCNewman/Robby Alugar)