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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Mayor Isko ushers in Chinese New Year with call for closer PH-China cooperation

Mayor Isko ushers in Chinese New Year with call for closer PH-China cooperation

Published Feb 17, 2026 12:19 pm  |  Updated Feb 17, 2026 01:51 pm
CHINESE NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN – Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso (center) was joined by China’s Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan (4th from left), Vice Mayor Chi Atienza (2nd from right), Special Envoy to China for trade, investments, tourism Benny Techico (2nd from left), and officials of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. led by its president Victor Lim (3rd from left) and previous president Dr. Cecilio Pedro (far right) during the Chinese New Year countdown in Binondo, Manila on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. (Photo from Manila PIO)
CHINESE NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN – Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso (center) was joined by China’s Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan (4th from left), Vice Mayor Chi Atienza (2nd from right), Special Envoy to China for trade, investments, tourism Benny Techico (2nd from left), and officials of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. led by its president Victor Lim (3rd from left) and previous president Dr. Cecilio Pedro (far right) during the Chinese New Year countdown in Binondo, Manila on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. (Photo from Manila PIO)
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso called for stronger Manila-Beijing connectivity as he led the countdown to the Chinese New Year in Binondo on Monday night, Feb. 16.
Addressing residents and visitors gathered in the world’s oldest Chinatown, Domagoso welcomed Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan and other guests as the city ushered in the new year.
He highlighted the growing exchanges between the two countries, particularly in tourism, saying improved connectivity could help generate more jobs and business opportunities.
“Through the leadership of our new Ambassador in the country, there will be more flights coming from China to Cebu. More flights, more tourists, more jobs and business for the country,” the mayor said.
Domagoso emphasized Manila’s close ties with the Filipino-Chinese community, noting that the capital is home to the country’s largest population of Filipino-Chinese residents.
“And the biggest Chinese community, the Filipino-Chinese community, is located in the City of Manila,” he said.
“Kaya naman, ikinalulugod ko na taon-taon ang Filipino-Chinese Chambers… nagsasama-sama, nagkakaisa upang makapaghandog ng isang magandang selebrasyon (Well, I am pleased that every year the Filipino-Chinese Chambers... come together, unite to offer a beautiful celebration),” he added.
The mayor also urged young Manileños to understand the shared history of Filipinos and Chinese migrants beyond trade and business.
“Hindi lang ho natin sila kasama para makipag-barter, makipagpalitan ng goods, at makipag-negosyo since time immemorial (We have not only been with them to barter, exchange goods, and do business since time immemorial),” Domagoso said.
“There is a battalion group of Filipino-Chinese who fought against an occupier of this country.”
Reaffirming Manila’s openness to investors, Domagoso assured local and foreign entrepreneurs of protection under his administration, while warning against unfair practices.
“No harm will come to you as long as I'm Mayor. But in the same manner, I will not also allow abuse to one another. Just do business, strive, and there is a big market in this city,” he said.
The mayor also reported economic gains, saying new business registrations in Manila from Jan. 1 to Feb. 13, 2026, grew by 104 percent compared to the same period last year.
“We grew by 104% of new businesses registered in the City of Manila. Dumoble,” Domagoso said.
On peace and order, he noted a decline in crime during the last quarter, stressing the government’s duty to keep communities safe.
“Our crime rate at the end of last quarter dropped to negative 13%. The least thing that we can do as government is maging maaliwalas at panatag ang pamumuhay,” he said.
“Ang sinumang dadako sa lungsod ng Maynila—anuman ang lahi—lagi natin iparamdam sa kanila ang mainit na pagtanggap,” he said, ending with a prayer: “Let there be peace in our home, in our family, in our community, in our city, in our country, and our neighboring countries (Anyone who comes to the city of Manila—regardless of race—we will always make them feel a warm welcome," he said, ending with a prayer: "Let there be peace in our home, in our family, in our community, in our city, in our country, and our neighboring countries),” he added.

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