Celebrating with the People’s Republic of China
The 68th National Day Celebration of the founding of People’s Republic of China is not only celebrated in China. The event is also commemorated in our very own city by the Cebu Chinese Consulate and the Cebu Filipino-Chinese community.
Last Sept. 28, the Cebu Chinese Consulate hosted an exclusive dinner party at the grand ballroom of Marco Polo Hotel for the advanced celebration of the National Day. By tradition, the event kicked off with a lion and dragon dance to represent joy and prosperity.
After the traditional start of a jubilant event, Consul Shi Yong, the Chinese Consulate General in Cebu, delivered a speech and talked about the economic, social, and cultural success of the People’s Republic of China over the last decade and the opportunities presented by this. “China has made remarkable achievements in our economy, social, and cultural undertakings. China is now the world’s second largest economy, the biggest trader of goods, and second largest direct overseas investor,” he said.
Consul Shi Yong also commented on the friendship between Philippines and China. “In the first half of this year, the two sides have signed 22 documents sealing agreements on economy, trade, infrastructure, agriculture, energy, drug control, tourism, and other fields,” he continued, adding that the friendship between both countries is mutually beneficial. In fact, in the first quarter of this year, Chinese tourists entering the Philippines registered a 30 percent year-on-year growth. More direct flights from China to Cebu are also being mounted to boost tourism.
The consul then proudly announced the reopening of the Chinese Consulate in Cebu. “This year is also an important year for the Chinese Consulate General in Cebu. This year, we open our office with full function and service,” said Consul Shi Yong, to which the audience gave a thunderous applause. “This year we work closely with local governments and other parties, broadening and deepening cooperation between China and the Visayas and Mindanao areas,” he added.
He then concluded his speech with a toast to improved relations between the Philippines and China. Students and a group of teachers from different Chinese schools presented their song and dance numbers while the guests enjoyed their dinner buffet.
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) was founded on Sept. 21, 1949. A formal ceremony was held in Tiananmen Square on Oct. 1, 1949, which officially marked the beginning of the PRC. The event is celebrated annually to this day, where the Chinese people commemorate the day a new government and a new China was born.