BY REFHAEL ETEK/DSSC INTERN
THE ASSOCIATION of Philippine-China Understanding (APCU) held a roadshow at the Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) on Thursday, July 25, 2024, to further promote a better relationship with the Asian superpower.
APCU chairperson Raul Lambino emphasized his perspective in response to a question about the group’s initiatives in the Marcos administration to promote a harmonious relationship between China and the Philippines amid the tensions in the South China Sea.
“We do it on our own, trying to bring the message to our counterparts in China,” he added.
Lambino identified the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) as APCU’s counterpart, assuring that concerns will be addressed as the group is under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and part of the government.
Moreover, he shared his experiences during constant dialogue with CPAFFC, conveying Filipino concerns and untold stories, and expressing their requests despite the conflicts between the Philippines and China.
“Wag niyo naman bombahin ng tubig yong ang aming mangingisda…Pepwede naman nating mapagusapan kung anong dapat nating gawin kasi ordinaryong mangingisda lang iyon,” he stated.
Magno received an explanation of the Chinese response to the fishermen. The Chinese claimed the fisherman was not a true fisherman but a member of the national armed forces.
“Sabi namn ng mga Chinese, ay hindi. Hindi sila ordinaryong mangingisda. Kunwari lang sumakay sila sa bangkang pangingisda pero ang mga ‘yon ay mga Coast Guard o Navy ninyo iyon,” Lambinos’ interpretation.
Lambino mentioned the provinces most affected by fishermen who rely on nearby seas as their primary source of livelihood.
“Karamihan galing sa province ng Pangasinan, Zambales, La Union hanggang Mindoro,” he added.
Lambino shared the Chinese request for Filipinos to establish connections and communicate effectively.
“Walang halong propaganda… Ang gusto namin ay Pilipino at Intsek lamang ang maguusap,” Magnos’ interpretation.
In collaboration with APUC, Lambino disseminated the Chinese request to various representatives in the Philippines, aiming to address conflicts in establishing communication.
Lambino is grounded in reality when it comes to respecting the national government and avoids claiming credit, recognizing that he lacks authorization to speak and negotiate on behalf of the Philippines.
Nonetheless, Lambino will remain vocal as a private citizen representing the concerns of Filipinos.
APCU has still successfully coordinated with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and the Deputy Foreign Minister of China, fostering connections and mutual understanding.
The meeting will continue in August in Beijing, China, to reach an agreement on resupply missions in the Sierra Madre, fishing access in the Scarborough Shoal, and other contested waters between China and the Philippines.
