Chinese Consulate in Laoag Holds the Chinese New Year and Welcome Reception in Honor of Consul & Head of Post Li Xiaoyan
On Feb. 7, 2026, Chinese Consulate in Laoag held a grand Chinese New Year and Welcome Reception in honor of Consul & Head of Post Li Xiaoyan. Among the attendees were Hon. Gov. Jing Gambito of Nueva Vizcaya, Hon. Vice Gov. Manuel Mamba of Cagayan, Hon. Vice Gov. Dave Odiem of Kalinga, Hon. Mayor James Alcid and Hon. Vice Mayor Rey Carlos Fariñas of Laoag, Hon. Capt. Mark Mariano of Coast Guard District North Western Luzon and Acting Head Mrs. Maribel Baladjay-Borg of the DFA Consular Office. Nearly 400 guests from various sectors, including politics, academia, business, and media, as well as overseas Chinese, representatives from Chinese enterprises, Confucius Institutes, and Chinese students in the consular district, were present.
In her speech, Consul & Head of Post Li Xiaoyan extended New Year greetings to the guests, highlighted China's remarkable achievements in 2025, and noted that 2026 marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). She emphasized that the plan not only charts an ambitious blueprint for China's development over the next five years but also offers new opportunities for countries worldwide, including the Philippines, to share in development and prosperity.
Governor Gambito praised China's developmental accomplishments in his address, stating that the people-to-people friendship forms the strongest foundation for bilateral relations. He expressed hope for enhanced exchanges and cooperation between Nueva Vizcaya and Chinese localities to deepen friendship and share the fruits of development. Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos of Ilocos Norte and Governor Jerry Singsonof Ilocos Sur sent video congratulations. Mr. Zhang Haichao of the Baguio Patriotic High School, delivered a speech on behalf of the overseas Chinese in Northern Luzon who remain devoted to their homeland.
During the reception, young performers from both China and the Philippines presented a vibrant cultural show combining elements from both nations. Meanwhile, the festive and harmonious atmosphere was filled with joint wishes for the steady and enduring growth of bilateral relations.