CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In support of the Filipino-Chinese community in this city and Misamis Oriental province, the city government has lined up various activities for the Chinese New Year from Monday, Jan. 16, to Sunday, Jan. 22.
John Asuncion, City Trade Investments Promotions Center chief and Chinese New Year Executive Committee chairperson, underscored the unique Filipino-Chinese culture and shared influences that molded the Filipino-Chinese community.
“The festival celebrates the golden friendship and amenity shared by the Filipino-Chinese of Cagayan de Oro and the whole Kagay-anon community,” Asuncion said during the Chinese New Year Festival launching in a mall here on Monday afternoon.
Atty. Roy Hilario Raagas, speaking in behalf of Mayor Rolando Uy, emphasized the importance of respect and extending help to those who are in need.
Rosa Go, Misamis Oriental Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. president, in a message, stressed the symbolism of 2023, the Year of the White Rabbit.
“Rabbit symbolizes longevity, positivity, auspiciousness, wittiness, cautiousness, cleverness, and self-protection," Go said.
Apart from the traditional Lion dance, the city government will hold the “Lighting of Chinese Lanterns” at Gaston Park and City Hall on Jan. 20, Chinese Food Festival (Jan. 16), Mayor’s Cup Spring Festival Dragon Boat Race (Jan. 21 to 22), Festival Fireworks (Jan. 21), and Festival Motorcade Chinese Cultural Show and Fellowship Night (Jan. 22).
Meanwhile, the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) will deploy policemen to various venues to ensure a peaceful Chinese New Year celebration and reminded the people to follow health protocols.
“We also continuously urge the public to maintain the health protocol against Covid-19 as they enjoy the Chinese New Year celebration to help the government fight the ongoing threat of the virus,” Lt. Col. Evan Viñas, COCPO spokesperson, said.