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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Influential personalities honored at PH-China Understanding Awards at The Manila Hotel

Influential personalities honored at PH-China Understanding Awards at The Manila Hotel

Published Jun 4, 2026 09:05 am  |  Updated Jun 4, 2026 02:52 pm
Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Philippines Jing Quan
Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Philippines Jing Quan
Outstanding figures who have contributed to strengthening ties and fostering mutual understanding between the Philippines and China were honored at the Fiesta Pavilion of The Manila Hotel on June 3 during the 6th Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding (APPCU).
The honorees were former National Security Adviser Clarita Reyes Carlos, businessman Peter Leung Ng, and agronomist Prof. Zhang Zhaodong, who were recognized for their respective contributions to diplomacy, cultural exchange, and agricultural cooperation that have helped strengthen ties and mutual understanding between the Philippines and China.

The awarding ceremony, organized by the Association for Philippines-China Understanding Inc. (APCU) in partnership with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, gathered government officials, diplomats, and stakeholders to highlight people-to-people diplomacy and bilateral cooperation.

Distinguished guests and awardees gather at the 6th Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding (APPCU) ceremony on June 3 at The Manila Hotel, celebrating efforts to strengthen Philippines-China ties.
Distinguished guests and awardees gather at the 6th Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding (APPCU) ceremony on June 3 at The Manila Hotel, celebrating efforts to strengthen Philippines-China ties.

Carlos was cited for her long-standing advocacy of strategic dialogue and a balanced, pragmatic approach to Philippines-China relations, particularly on issues concerning the South China Sea.
Meanwhile, Ng was recognized for decades of leadership in promoting cultural harmony and strengthening Filipino-Chinese ties through civic, cultural, and business initiatives, including major community events in Baguio City.

Zhang was honored for his pioneering work in introducing and localizing hybrid rice technology in the Philippines, significantly boosting agricultural productivity and supporting food security for Filipino farmers.
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Jing Quan, in his remarks, underscored the long-standing relationship between the two nations, noting that ties date back more than a thousand years.
“Since we established diplomatic ties 51 years ago, no matter how much the world has changed, our two peoples have always stood by each other and stayed close at heart,” he said.
He also expressed optimism for expanded cooperation in areas such as trade, clean energy, the digital economy, and agriculture, alongside stronger political dialogue and cultural exchanges.
New officers and members of the Association for Philippines-China Understanding Inc. (APCU) are introduced during the induction ceremony held alongside the 6th Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding (APPCU) at The Manila Hotel on June 3.
New officers and members of the Association for Philippines-China Understanding Inc. (APCU) are introduced during the induction ceremony held alongside the 6th Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding (APPCU) at The Manila Hotel on June 3.

In his inaugural address, APCU Chairman and President Raul Lambino said this year’s honorees exemplify the “spirit of persistence” needed amid current global and regional challenges.

“Not coincidentally, the laureates are at the frontier of a new decade in Philippines-China ties,” Lambino said, noting their role in advancing peace, cooperation, and shared prosperity.

APCU Vice Chairman and APPCU Committee Chairman Sixto Benedicto said the award continues to serve as a platform recognizing individuals who contribute to advancing bilateral relations across sectors, including public service, business, culture, and science.

“Through the years, the award has become a meaningful platform that highlights the invaluable contributions of visionaries, leaders, and advocates who have tirelessly fostered dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect,” Benedicto said.

Launched in 2021, the APPCU honors Filipinos and, in select cases, foreign nationals who have dedicated their work to strengthening friendship and cooperation between the Philippines and China.

The ceremony also featured the induction of new APCU officers and members, messages from Philippine government officials, and a representative speech from one of the awardees.

The event concluded with a dinner and entertainment program celebrating what organizers described as the enduring friendship and shared aspirations of the Filipino and Chinese peoples.

New APCU ambassadors
New APCU ambassadors

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