The Malabon City local government, in collaboration with the Malabon Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (MCCII) and the Philippine Malabon Cultural Institute (PMCI), launched the 1st Filipino-Chinese Cultural Festival held in Barangay Longos, Malabon City on Thursday, February 29.
The event aimed to promote the vibrant culture, strong relations, and shared history of the Filipino-Chinese community in the city.
Cultural Counselor Huang Yaping from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of the Philippines, Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc (PCCCII) - E-Commerce Chapter President Mr. Allan King, and City Administrator Dr. Alexander Rosete graced the event.
The festival was spearheaded by the city government, through the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO), City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office, and other local government departments.
Mayor Jeannie Sandoval emphasized the historical ties between the local community and Chinese immigrants, predating Spanish colonization.
“Ito'y isang patunay na mula pa noon, nagkaroon na tayo ng ugnayan at pagsasama sa pagitan ng ating komunidad at ng mga Tsino (This is proof that since then, we have had a relationship and unity between our community and the Chinese people),” she said.
She highlighted the success of the city's contribution to cultural unity and expressed her desire to further strengthen it through the Filipino-Chinese Cultural Festival.
“Isang malaking tagumpay ang ating nagawang pag-aambag sa pagsasama ng ating mga kultura. Sa paglulunsad natin ngayon ng Filipino-Chinese Cultural Festival, nais nating palalimin pa ang ating pagkakaisa (I consider it our success when we were able to merge our cultures. With the launch today of the Filipino-Chinese Cultural Festival, we aim to deepen our ties even more),” Sandoval said.
The event aimed to promote understanding and appreciation by showcasing various aspects of both cultures, with a focus on traditions to foster mutual understanding and contribute to overall development.
“Sa pagkilala sa ating mga tradisyon, mas lalo nating maiintindihan ang ating sarili at ang ating mga kapwa. Nais natin na maging daan ang pagsasama natin dito sa festival tungo sa mas mataas na antas ng kaunlaran (By recognizing our traditions, we can better understand ourselves and others. We want this festival to be a way for us to come together towards higher levels of development),” the city mayor stated.
Meanwhile, Chinese Cultural Counselor Huang Yaping noted that cultural exchanges were among the four key areas of cooperation identified by the Philippines and China, signifying an important aspect of their longstanding friendship.
"I came to Malabon and learned how the local Filipino-Chinese community fulfilled its social responsibilities, promoted economic development, and actively participated in charity," she said.
"In particular, efforts have been made for the establishment of the Malabon Cultural Institute which will provide students access to high-quality education and a window to learn Chinese, understand China, and experience Chinese culture," Yaping added.
Yaping highlighted that these examples exemplify the strong tradition of friendship and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. She also expressed hope that the event would strengthen the bond between the two countries.
"We hope that this festival will further the friendly bonds between our peoples, especially among the younger generation. We hope it will inspire ideas for future and greater cooperation between us," Yaping said.