The Malabon City government marked the 3rd Filipino-Chinese Cultural Festival on Friday, Feb. 27, along C4 Road in Barangay Longos, celebrating shared heritage and strengthening ties between Filipino and Chinese communities.

The event, themed “Isang Bayan, Isang Diwa: Pagkakaisa sa Gitna ng Pagkakaiba” (One Community, One Spirit: Unity Amid Diversity), highlighted cultural exchange, economic collaboration, and inclusive governance as part of the city’s National Arts Month celebration.

Mayor Jeannie Sandoval said the festival reflects the strong bond among communities and Malabon’s commitment to unity despite diversity.

“Isang napakasaya at napakakulay na gabi na puno ng pagkakaisa at pagpapala! Sa ating ikatlong Filipino-Chinese Cultural Festival, ipinakita natin ang napakagandang ugnayan sa pagitan ng mga komunidad sa gitna ng pagkakaiba (It is a joyful and colorful evening filled with unity and blessings. In our third Filipino-Chinese Cultural Festival, we showcased the strong relationship among communities despite our differences),” she said.

“Ang ugnayang ito ay ating pinapalakas para sa patuloy na pag-unlad ng bawat buhay, kultura, at tradisyon. Sa pagkakataong ito, ating ipinapamalas ang talento at kakaibang ganda ng kasaysayan, tradisyon, kultura, at sining na ating ipinagmamalaki (We continue to strengthen this relationship for the sustained development of lives, culture, and traditions. Tonight, we highlight the talent and unique beauty of the history, traditions, culture, and arts that we proudly share),” Sandoval added.

People’s Republic of China Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Qian, represented by Education Counselor Xiong Sheng, emphasized the enduring partnership between Filipino and Chinese communities and their shared contributions to cultural understanding and economic growth.

The celebration featured cultural and artistic performances from various groups, including the Philippine Army Band, CMU Chorale, Malabon City Government Chorale, Philippine Malabon Cultural Institute students, Kandili Performing Arts Ensemble, Lindayog Dance Troupe, CMU Iskoltura Dancers, and CMU Prime Motion Limitless.

A trade fair organized by the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office showcased food and non-food products from more than 30 micro and small enterprises, providing entrepreneurs with a platform to promote their businesses and stimulate local economic activity.

The city government also unveiled busts of Florentino Cayco y Francisco and Gregorio Sanciangco y Goson, Filipino-Chinese mestizos born in Malabon who made significant contributions to education and culture.

City Administrator Dr. Alexander Rosete said the festival demonstrates the city’s commitment to inclusive governance and stronger community partnerships.

“Ang pagdiriwang na ito ay patunay na sa kabila ng ating pagkakaiba-iba, iisa ang ating layunin—ang sama-samang pag-unlad ng Lungsod ng Malabon (This celebration proves that despite our differences, we share one goal—the collective progress of Malabon City),” he said.

“Sa pamamagitan ng kultura at sining, mas pinatitibay natin ang ugnayan ng pamahalaan at komunidad, at mas binibigyang-halaga ang ambag ng bawat sektor sa paghubog ng isang mas maunlad at nagkakaisang lungsod (Through culture and the arts, we strengthen the partnership between government and community and recognize the contribution of every sector in building a more progressive and united city),” Rosete added.

The annual festival continues to honor the contributions of the Filipino-Chinese community and reinforce the message that in Malabon, diversity remains a bridge to shared progress.

The event was also attended by city councilors, department heads, and officials from the Philippine Malabon Cultural Institute and the Malabon Chamber of Commerce and Industry.