My warmest greetings to the Filipino- Chinese Community, as we usher in the Year of the Rabbit.
This year’s celebration of the Chinese New Year is extra special in that it is the first to be freely observed since the pandemic hit the whole world.
Many thanks for the support that our Chinoy brothers have given to ensure the success of the entire celebration in Manila, which, by the way, is host to the famous Chinatown that happens to be the biggest in the entire nation.
Through the joint efforts of the Filipino-Chinese community and the City Government of Manila, we were able to mount a spectacular celebration marked by various activities that were highlighted by the ‘Grand Fireworks Display’ held at the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Bridge that connects Binondo to Intramuros.
The said fireworks display was done during the Chinese New Year Countdown at the Viewing Deck at Jones Bridge.
From January 19 to 22, the city also held a Chinatown Food Festival at the Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz.
On New Year’s Day itself, January 22, a Dragon Boat Competition kicked off at the Birch Tree Plaza early morning. This was followed by a ‘Solidarity Parade’ in the afternoon, with the Post Office as the starting area.
And then in the evening, the Huaxing Arts Group Chinese Cultural Show ws held at the Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz.
We are grateful to all those who contributed to, participated in or watched all the said activities and for helping them succeed.
Over the years, the members of the Chinese-Filipino community who are still mostly of Chinese descent, have proven to be a very integral part not only of the history of Manila but the Philippines as well.
From being among the first traders in the country, the Chinoys have become very active participants in all sectors of our society and in shaping the country’s progress.
In fact, they have evolved to become business moguls who have vital roles in keeping the country’s economy in good shape.
Some, on the other hand, were able to make it big in the fields of politics and showbusiness and have become influencers and game changers themselves.
While there may be some who get involved in detestable acts, they are but isolated cases and must not be taken as a sweeping basis to judge all the Chinoys living in the country. Majority of Chinese-Filipinos are actually good, law-abiding citizens who have nothing in mind but to strive to have a positive contribution to the country and its people.
In the city of Manila, everything is being done to forge a stronger relationship with the Chinese-Filipino community members and to ensure that those either living or doing business in the city get all the necessary protection possible.
This is the least that we in City Hall can do, considering the kind of goodwill that Chinoys have been extending to the city government.
This brings to mind the help given by the Chinese government when then Mayor Isko Moreno sought my assistance so that the city could buy the then elusive COVID-19 vaccines.
Not only were we given the opportunity to get 800,000 vaccines but moreso, they were given to us at cost. Manila was also the only local government that was allowed by the Chinese government to purchase said vaccines and swiftly at that.
This help was on top of all others like donations of face masks and other equipment related to COVID-19.
Indeed, our Chinese-Filipino community members are constantly there to support the city government of Manila in its time of need and we are so thankful for them.
On behalf of Mayor Honey Lacuna and Vice Mayor Yul Servo-Nieto and the all the officials and employes of the city of Manila, we wish our Filipino-Chinese brethren a happy, prosperous Chinese New Year!!! Kung Hei Fat Choi!!!
