On February 12, Consul and Head of Post Zhou Youbin of the Chinese Consulate in Laoag City attended the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration jointly organized by the Paoay National High School, Ilocos Norte National High School and Robinsons Shopping Center in Ilocos Norte.

In his speech, Consul Zhou said that on the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year of Ox, he is very happy to participate the celebration. The Spring Festival symbolizes reunion and prosperity in traditional Chinese culture and the ox implies hard work and strength. As the year of Ox, 2021 will be a great year.

 

He likewise expressed his gratitude to the organisers for yearly holding the celebration which has made positive contributions in helping the local people understand Chinese culture and promoting the friendship and exchanges between Chinese and Filipinos. He then greeted the people of Ilocos Norte a happy Chinese New Year and wished everyone good health.

 

Consul Zhou also pointed out that the China-Philippine comprehensive strategic cooperative relationship has enhanced since their joint fight against the pandemic in 2020, and that the friendship between the two countries and their people have deepened in terms of disaster relief cooperation. In order to implement the consensus of President Xi Jinping and President Duterte, 500,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine donated by China are assured to be coming soon. Also, China will assist the Philippines in smoothly purchasing vaccines developed by Chinese firms and will fully support the Philippines in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the event, different activities were conducted such as mask design exhibition contest as well as performances from the students of Paoay National High School and Ilocos Norte National High School which showcased songs, dances and other performances. The audience was delighted with the students' wonderful performances.