On June 10, Consul and Head of Post Zhou Youbin planted trees with Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc in the Chinese Garden of Ilocos Norte. Officials from the provincial capitol and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, President of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Ilocos Norte Mrs. Mary Ang, President of Filipino Chinese Amity Club Ilocos Norte Chapter Mr. Michael Ang, General Manager of China State Construction Philippines’ Branch Mr. Liu Wei, other Chinese enterprises representatives and some Filipino students who studied in China attended the activity.

Consul Zhou said in his speech that on the occasion of the celebration of the 47^th  anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines and the 21^st anniversary of the establishment of China-Philippines Friendship Day, Governor Manotoc and I launched the "China-Philippines Friendship Forest" tree-planting activity in the Chinese Garden. After four years of construction, the China Garden was finally completed and opened last year. Under the careful management and maintenance of the provincial government, Chinese Garden has become a new landmark and a cultural landscape that attracts tourists in Ilocos Norte. It has not only become a new symbol of China-Philippines friendship, but also become a new place for influencers in Ilocos Norte.

Consul Zhou said that there is an old Chinese saying, "Ten years for trees, one hundred years for people". Today, we plant Narra, the national tree of the Philippines here. What we plant are saplings, but they are also the seeds of friendship between China and the Philippines. I believe that with the joint care of all of us, the small saplings will definitely grow into towering trees, and the friendship between China and the Philippines will grow together with the small saplings.

Consul Zhou said that the Philippines is currently facing important opportunities for economic growth and development. Gross domestic product grew by an impressive 8.3% in the first quarter of this year. The Philippines government has high hopes for the development of agriculture, infrastructure, energy, education, tourism, etc. These are also areas where China and the Philippines can strengthen docking and deepen cooperation.

Consul Zhou firmly believed that under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping, President Duterte and President-elect Bongbong Marcos, the relationship between China and the Philippines will have a smooth transition, the friendly relationship will be inherited, and the future of China-Philippines friendly cooperation can be expected. .

Consul Zhou thanked Governor Manotoc and Senator Imee Marcos. It is their long-term and strong support that makes the Chinese Garden Project and the "China-Philippines Friendship Forest" tree-planting possible.

Consul Zhou also thanked Chinese community in Ilocos Norte. Everyone has been actively and enthusiastically donating money and materials, which is the guarantee for the final completion of the Chinese Garden. The Chinese community is united to overcome the difficulties together, and has made great contributions to the anti-pandemic and economic construction of Ilocos Norte. Everyone is not afraid of risks, has the courage to take responsibility, serves with kindness, protects life with great love.

Consul Zhou said that on the occasion of the celebration of the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines and the China-Philippines Friendship Day, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to people from all walks of life in the two countries who have contributed to the sustainable development of China-Philippines relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations. Standing at the new starting point of China-Philippines friendship, I wish the prosperity and development of China and the Philippines and the happiness of the people, and wish that the China-Philippines friendship will be passed on from generation to generation.

Governor Manotoc said in his speech that the government and people of Ilocos Norte, together with the people of the whole country, warmly celebrated the 47^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China and the 21^st anniversary of the establishment of the Philippines-China Friendship Day. Ilocos Norte is very fortunate to have a Chinese Consulate here. Whenever we need help, the Consulate is always the first to support and generously help. On behalf of the people of Ilocos Norte, I thank the Chinese government and the Consulate for its outstanding work. Bongbong Marcos is about to take office as the President of the Philippines, and our province will usher in good development opportunities. Agriculture and tourism will be more open. International flight from China to Laoag is expected to resume in the future. We welcome Chinese enterprises to invest in Ilocos Norte.

Governor Manotoc also thanked the representatives of Chinese community who attended the tree-planting activity, praised their positive contributions to consolidating the friendship between Ilocos Norte and China. He reconfirmed that he is a sincere friend to Filipino Chinese, and willing to do his best to the Chinese community.