Chinese Consul Attends Celebration of Fil-Chinese Relations in City
June 13, 2015
BAGUIO CITY – despite tensions between the Philippines and China due to territorial disputes, Consul and Head of Post, Consulate of the People’s Republic of China in Laoag Zhao Qiaoliang attended the 14th Philippine-China Friendship Day celebrations here.
The event was organized by the Baguio Filipino Chinese Community Executive Committee under its present chairman Dennis Sy and the City Government of Baguio in cooperation with the Philippine-Chinese Education Research Center, Philippine Sisterhood and Twinning Association, City Environment and Parks Management Office, City Social Welfare and Development Office and Baguio City Library.
Mayor Mauricio Domogan and Consul Zhao Qiaoliang with city officials and the Baguio Filipino-Chinese Community Organizations also unveiled the Historical Marker which marks the lasting friendship of Baguio and its Sister City Hangzhou.
Qiaoliang said, “the strong ties between the Chinese Community and the Filipino Community in the city show that there is hope that the dispute between the two countries can be solved thru peaceful means.”
“I have a duty to promote good bilateral relationship,” he said.
The event was held at the Baguio Botanical and Centennial Park last June 9.
Domogan said, “the unveiling of the marker further concretizes the relationship between the two countries most especially the relationship between Baguio and Hangzhou.”
“This monument gives due recognition to the Filipino-Chinese Communities contribution to the development of the city,” he said.
“We are proud of you as our partner in the city government, let us continue to improve and sustain this team work and partnership because this is the key to progress,” he said.
The chief executive also said the city will continuously improve the botanical Garden which now houses the testaments of Sister City Relationships it has with other cities worldwide.
“We are willing to declare this area as a Historical Site in the city pursuant to an Ordinance but not in accordance with what the NCCA and NHCP are doing because instead of partnering with us to improve and develop our city, they are acting as if we are their enemies and not partners in development,” he said.
“I’m sorry to say this but that is what’s happening in the city,” he said.
Domogan finally said, “the Chinese community has always been sources of inspiration for the youth and he hopes that the dispute between the Philippines and China will be settled thru diplomatic channels amicably.”
Domogan also reiterated his request for the establishment of a Chinese Consular Office in the city which will cater to serve the Filipino-Chinese community in the Cordilleras and the adjoining regions./Paul Rillorta
