Filipinos and Chinese proved their friendship by displaying photo exhibits at SM City Baguio

BAGUIO CITY – (September 19, 2022) – The unveiling ceremony of the Photo Exhibition on the Achievements of China-Philippines Cooperation held at Atrium, SM City Baguio shows how the Philippines and China are working together in their quest to meet the needs of the cities and community by promoting programs, projects such as the different government to government relations, trade, cooperation, joint pandemic response, infrastructure disaster relief, and humanitarian efforts.

It was attended by distinguished guests from the Chinese Embassy of Manila headed by the charming Minister Counselor Wang Yulei with the Chief of Media & Public Relations – Embassy of the People’s Republic of China Wu Chenqi,  City Officials headed by Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, Councilors;  Leandro Yangot and Betty Lourdes Tabanda, International Association of Lions Clubs headed by  Charter President Lion Agnes Montoya of Baguio Session Lions Club D301-C Northern Philippines,  Rotary Club of Baguio Highlands (RCBH) headed by President Anna Liza Chan, CREBA- Baguio – Benguet, headed by Chairman Ramon Ernesto Tagle and President Fernando S. Tiong, Baguio Filipino-Chinese Community and Baguio Chinese Chamber of Commerce headed by Peter Ng.

And in coordination with SM City Baguio headed by Mall manager Rona Vida Correa and SM Assistant Vice President of Operations SM North 1 Jansen Pe for using the venue of a photo exhibit

Mall Manager Correa gave a message in the opening remarks, “Today, we celebrate a meaningful bond, the millennium friendship between China and the Philippines. Through the years SM Supermalls has witnessed the accomplishments of the two countries, all aiming towards a common goal, continuous development, and steady progress for its citizens and its communities.

“We are truly honored to be a part of this event, where we get to see the smooth cooperation between China and the Philippines. SM Supermalls has high hopes that this exhibit will be a testament to the strengthening  of relations between our two countries that can bring better prosperity that uplifts the lives of our communities,”

“On behalf of the SM Family, thank you for joining us today as we unveil the photo exhibition on the achievements of China-Philippines cooperation,”

City mayor Magalong expresses his message, “This Photo Exhibit speaks much of the meaningful relationship that we have with each other.

“Like many other Filipinos – most especially those of us who have ancestral roots in Baguio – I have always considered our Filipino-Chinese friends beyond the level of mere friendship.

“In times of need and opportunity, our Chinese friends have stood out prominently among the key sectors of our people on whom we can rely upon any time at all,”

“Thank you for your continued support in our endeavors. Let the special relations we have as long-time friends, borne on the shoulders of shared challenges, be made stronger and more enduring each passing year,”

Minister Counselor Wang Yulei delivered an inspirational message, “ I am truly pleased and honored to be personally welcoming you all to the Chinese Embassy’s Photo Exhibition on China-Philippines Cooperation Achievements here in Baguio City, the Summer Capital of the Philippines.

“There is a relevant Chinese proverb that comes to mind when I think of the growing ties between China and the Philippines. The saying goes, and I quote, “a good neighbor is a priceless treasure.” Indeed, the neighborliness demonstrated by both our countries is a priceless treasure that has allowed us to reach multiple cooperation milestones these past six years. And to showcase these sterling achievements, we have launched these photo exhibitions that have been touring different cities in the country for a few months now,”

“From several stops in Metro Manila, Angeles City, Pampanga, and Davao City in Southern Philippines, we have now made our way up north to Baguio City, the 6th stop in the Chinese Embassy’s touring photo exhibition. This city in the north was specifically chosen because of the vibrant Filipino-Chinese community living in this area, which makes it the perfect venue to foster fruitful cultural and people-to-people exchange.

“Today’s photo exhibition is entitled “Transcend the Millennia Friendship, Greet a New Era of Golden Age.” The photos presented today are highlights of the most significant events involving our two countries. These events include high-level exchanges, economic and trade cooperation activities, defense exchanges, and joint efforts to counter the global pandemic.

“Through the presentation of these photos, we aspire to inform the public and spread awareness of the ongoing projects and endeavors our countries have been undertaking together. All our efforts, particularly in the Chinese government’s four key areas of cooperation, have successfully strengthened our economic ties, fostered greater understanding, and alleviated the lives of countless Filipinos during trying times.

“The China-Philippines cooperation achievements you will be seeing today in these photos are not the end goals of our relations, but rather only the beginning of what can be further attained. With the leadership and guidance of newly elected President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Chinese President Xi Jinping, we look forward to the continuous growth of China-Philippines relations and a brighter future for both countries under the Marcos Administration.

“On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in the Republic of the Philippines and the Chinese government, thank you very much for your continued cooperation and support. We are committed, not only to establishing a strong comprehensive strategic cooperative relationship between our two governments but also to showing that the Chinese people are reliable friends who can embody unity and the deeply valued Filipino Bayanihan spirit.

“We hope that everyone joining us today enjoys the photos that were so carefully collated and gains a greater appreciation for the friendship and ties between our two countries. Together, with full confidence, let us welcome the “Golden Age” of ChThere is an ina-Philippine relation!”

The photo exhibit will end on September 26, 2022. Photos by:  Mario Oclaman /FNS