President Marcos led the ceremonial lighting of the historic Jones Bridge on Saturday, June 7, marking the revitalization of Binondo and 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China.

In his speech during the lighting ceremony, the President said the event symbolized Manila's long-standing ties with Beijing.

"This project commemorates 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China,” he said.

"Half a century of friendship and shared history, all reflected here in the world’s oldest Chinatown," he added.

In a statement, Malacañang said this year’s milestone celebration highlights people-to-people exchanges through the symbolic lighting of Jones Bridge — a project sponsored by the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) in honor of the 50th anniversary of Philippine-China relations.

"The event not only celebrates the enduring friendship but also reaffirms the cultural and economic significance of Binondo, renowned as the world’s oldest Chinatown," it said.

"It stands as a testament to the shared heritage and deep-rooted ties between the Filipino and Chinese communities," it added.

During his speech, President Marcos reflected on his early memories of Binondo, praising its enduring charm and culinary tradition.

“Of course, more than the food, it is also about the feeling,” he said.

“When we are here, we can feel the sense of place that has shaped Manila and its people," he added.

He also emphasized the bridge’s role in shaping daily life across generations — from workers crossing to reach Escolta, students rushing home, taho vendors, jeepney drivers, and lovers meeting halfway.

The Jones Bridge lighting forms part of the broader Chinatown Revitalization Project, which seeks to restore and elevate Binondo’s historical, cultural, and economic role in the nation’s capital.

"We will transform Binondo into a place that we can always return to," Marcos said.

"Because how can we know our history and culture if we do not know and experience them ourselves?" he added.

The President encouraged Filipinos, especially the younger generation, to rediscover Binondo and support its revitalization.

"Come back to Ongpin, Escolta, Carvajal, and the streets that have yet to be discovered and celebrated," he said.

Marcos said the bridge’s restoration complements ongoing projects under the Pasig River Urban Development Project.

"They complement what we are doing here in Binondo because an iconic bridge deserves a city that rises along with it," he said.

He thanked government agencies and private sector partners for bringing the project to life and called for a collective effort to finish the next phases.

"Let us finish Phase II, as we transform Ongpin and Escolta into cultural and economic hubs. We will bring back their golden years so that we can relive them," Marcos said.

The President also paid tribute to the people who keep Binondo’s spirit alive.

"To the vibrant community of Binondo — from the families, the merchants, the students, the elders — you have done much more for our heritage, more than you can ever know," he said.

Framing the initiative within his administration’s broader governance vision, Marcos said revitalizing historical places is part of "sustaining our homes, our city, and our culture."

"This is the real revitalization that we must partake in," he said, urging Filipinos to support local vendors and maintain clean surroundings.

"In times like these, when everything can feel loud and fast and confusing, I believe what we need is right here. A place as simple as a bridge or a street that tells us to pause," he added.