VP Sara's Chinese New Year message: Rediscover 'rich, dynamic' heritage in PH-China ties
Vice President Sara Duterte urged the Philippines and China to go on a path of rediscovering the “rich and dynamic heritage” that have made their friendship strong.

Vice President Sara Duterte (MB file photo)
In her message for the 2025 Spring Festival, the official sent her “warmest greetings of peace” and called for everyone to “embrace the spirit of generosity and harmony that defines this season.”
“As we look forward to a New Year, let us nurture the spirit of compassion and bayanihan in rediscovering the rich and dynamic heritage that have long defined our mutual ties of friendship and cooperation,” she said.
“And whatever lies ahead this year, may we face every challenge boldly with the same diligence, resilience, and hard work which all communities are known for,” she added.
Duterte said that aside from honoring the “rich traditions” of both countries, the season also underscores the “strong bonds of collaboration” between the two countries.
The Vice President asked for everyone to welcome the new year “with hope and optimism.”
“We join all communities in celebrating the efforts that brought good fortune and growth in our shared pursuit of a resilient and prosperous future,” she furthered.
In her message for the Chinese Embassy in Manila’s celebration of the Spring Festival earlier this month, Duterte expressed hope that both countries can work together in addressing the “common challenges” they face.
The Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, is the first day of the first month of the Chinese calendar.
This year, it fell on Wednesday, Jan. 29, and was declared a special non-working holiday in the Philippines.
The celebration of the Chinese New Year includes many social practices, such as the cleaning of homes, wearing new clothes, preparing food for families to feast on together, and making offerings to elders and the ancestors.