Tent City, Manila Hotel
10 June 2014

President Benigno S. Aquino III served as guest of honor of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Incorporated or FFCCCII’s joint celebration of the 116th Philippine Independence and 13th Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day at the Manila Hotel.

Spearheaded by the FFCCCII, the event is a kick-off celebration of the nation’s sovereignty and a gathering of the Filipino-Chinese communities to celebrate the friendship between the Philippines and China.

In his speech, President Aquino commended the gathering, saying that events like this is a strong reminder of what can be achieved when selfless contributions triumph over selfishness, most especially when the greater good is pursued instead of individual gains.

“We have the opportunity to highlight the invaluable contributions, not just of your organization, but also of the countless Chinese-Filipinos who have sacrificed – whether in small or large part – in uplifting their families and communities,” the President said.

Moreover, the President thanked all the aid and support by the Chinese community to the Filipino people, particularly during the ravage of super typhoon Yolanda in Eastern Visayas. As of the latest, the FFCCCII and FFCCCII Foundation Inc. is set to build a Filipino-Chinese Friendship Village consisting of 500 houses in Palo, Leyte, as well as five barrio schools with 10 classrooms. This, according to the President, is an evident proof of the strong relations we have towards the Chinese community despite the issue of territorial disputes.

“It is my hope that your federation will continue to work with me not just while I am President, but even after I step down, towards fulfilling the promise of independence – in helping build a nation that serves as a wellspring of opportunity, not only for our people but also for our region,” President Aquino said.

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