On September 28, 2019, the Chinese Consulate in Laoag held a reception in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel, Laoag City.

 

 

The celebration was attended by nearly 400 guests including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines DV Savellano, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, Batanes Governor Marilou Cayco, Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Cecilia Marcos, Laoag City Mayor Michael Keon, Batac City Mayor Albert Chua,Neuva Vizcaya Bayombong Mayor Ralph Lantion, San Nicolas Vice Mayor Edistio Valdez, provincial board members and city councilors, Mariano Marcos State University President Shirley Agrupis, as well as representatives of the local agencies, Filipino-Chinese community and Chinese schools, Chinese volunteer teachers.

 

 

 

The reception kicked off with the solemn singing of the national anthem of China and Philippines followed by a warm speech delivered by the Consul and Head of Post Zhou Youbin.

 

Consul Zhou reviewed the development and achievements of the People's Republic of China over the past 70 years since its founding. He pointed out that the Communist Party of China has led its people of all ethnic groups to unite as one, to overcome difficulties and lead China from a closed backwardness to an open and progressive one, from a lack of food and clothing to a comprehensive well-off society, from poverty and weakness to prosperity. He added that under the strong leadership of the CPC with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, Socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era and nearly 1.4 billion Chinese people making strides in the new journey of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

 

Zhou also emphasized that China is adhering to the practice of peripheral diplomacy of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, and attaches great importance to cooperation and exchanges with its neighboring countries. He mentioned that China and the Philippines face each other across the sea and the people of both countries are connected. Since the establishment of the diplomatic relations in 1975, the two countries have made significant progress in economic and trade, and personnel exchanges. In addition, under the guiding of President Xi Jinping and President Duterte, China-Philippines relations have steadily moved forward and achieved fruitful results.

 

Consul Zhou assured that the Chinese Consulate in Laoag will continue to promote exchanges and cooperation with the Northern region and will support China-Philippines cultural exchanges. He also guaranteed to actively practice the concept of "diplomacy for the people," provide quality consular services, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of overseas Chinese citizens.

 

 

Meanwhile, Congressman Savellano expressed his sincere congratulations on the 70th birthday of the People's Republic of China. He said that the current relations between the Philippines and China are developing well and their cooperation in various fields has achieved remarkable results. He firmly believes that the two governments and its people will remain to be friendly and will continue to learn, develop and benefit from each other.

 

Governor Manotoc also congratulated China on its great achievements over the past 70 years and wished China more glory in the next 70 years and beyond. He highly affirmed China's contribution to the Philippine society especially to its local economy and people's livelihood. In addition, he said that the people of Ilocos Norte will always be good neighbors and good friends with Chinese people.

 

Moreover, Governor Cayco emotionally expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for its selfless help by remembering how the Chinese Consulate in Laoag became the first foreign institution to express condolences and provided practical support during the typhoon and earthquake disaster in their province. She added that the province of Batanes will always remember the profound friendship of the Chinese people.

 

 

 

At the same time, on behalf of the overseas Chinese, Raymond Tan, Chairman of Philippine Yuh Chiau school in Cauayan, Isabela and Fernando Tiong, Vice President of the Filipino-Chinese Baguio Chamber of Commerce delivered a speech wherein they expressed their deep pride in the development and increasing strength of their ancestral country over the past 70 years and said that they are willing to continue to make greater contribution in the exchanges of China and Philippines.

 

 

 

The guests visited the photo exhibition of the 70th anniversary of the founding of China, and watched Beautiful China videos, and enjoyed wonderful performances from the Mariano Marcos State University,Bell Church Baguio Dragon Lion and Martial Arts Team, Philippine Yuh Chiau School,St. Santiago School, Baguio Patriotic High School.