Mme. Wang Jianqun, Chinese Head of Post and Consul to Laoag, held a reception at the Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel to celebrate the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on the evening of September 29th, 2018.

Consul Wang praised, in her speech, the most profound social transformation in the Chinese history inaugurated by the founding of the People's Republic of China 69 years ago. She said that in the past six decades and more especially since China adopted the opening-up policy 40 years ago, China has emerged from desperate poverty to become the second largest economy of the world. China's development has not only improved the livelihood of the Chinese people, but also provided tremendous opportunities to the world.

Consul Wang pointed out that this year marked the 40^th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up. In the coming decades, China will unswervingly adhere to the road of socialism with Chinese characteristics, carry out deeper reform, participate in globalization and develop friendly relations and cooperation with all the countries in the world.

Consul Wang also briefed her audience on the recent development of China-Philippines relations especially the exchange of visits and trade and investment between the provinces in the consular district with China.

On behalf of the Hon Governor Imee Marcos of Ilocos Norte, Senior Board Member Hon. Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc congratulated on the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. "The relationship between the Philippines and China was one of the earliest Asian diplomatic relationships. In the 1970s, my grandfather President Marcos passed presidential decree to make it easier for the Chinese to acquire Philippine citizenship. President Marcos foresaw the essential role that the Chinese would play in the Philippines. The Philippines and Ilocos Norte would not be what it is today if it were not for the Chinese community. We thank the Chinese Consul and the Chinese community for their great generosity and continued friendship." he said.

Mr. Cheng Chen Jr., Principal of La Union Cultural Institute also made a speech on behalf of the Filipino-Chinese community in northern Luzon congratulating on the 69^th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. He spoke about the educational and cultural exchanges between the Chinese schools in the Philippines and relevant organizations in China. He praised the good work done by the Chinese volunteer teachers in raising the level of Chinese language teaching. He also thanked the Chinese Consulate in Laoag for its longstanding friendship and assistance.