In celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Chinese Consul General Li Lin and his gracious wife, Madame Qiu Aiping, invited leaders representing the various sectors of the Davao community headed by Mayor Sarah Duterte-Carpio, high ranking military officials, the Diplomatic Consular Corps in Davao, Lumad leaders, government officials, representatives of the overseas Chinese community, among others, at a grand reception held last Sunday, September 29, 2019, at the SMX Convention Center of SM Lanang Premier.
The National Day of China is celebrated on October 1 to mark the formation of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). It was on October 1, 1949, when Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Mao Zedong declared the creation of the PRC which ended the civil war between the CCP and the Nationalist Party or Kuomintang of Sun Yat-sen and Chiang Kai-shek.
The articulate Chinese Consul General Li Lin in his welcome speech said that China has become the world’s second largest economy playing a key role in promoting economic growth in Asia and the world. “China’s development has always adhered to ‘people-centered’ ideology focusing on the improvement of living standards of its citizens. In the past 40 years of reform and opening up endeavor, more than 700 million poor people have been lifted out of poverty, creating a miracle in the history of poverty reduction in the world…In the past 70 years, China’s development has always adhered to the concept of ‘progressing with the times,’ focusing on the improvement of social civilization. China has leaped from feudal autocracy to socialist democracy and the rule of the law; from ignorance and backwardness to the awareness of education and innovation; from sacrificing environment for development to the adoption of green and sustainable progress.”
ConGen Li Lin also assures the guests that China’s development has always upheld the banner of “harmony of the world.” China believes in the idea of “a community of shared future for mankind.” There are now 180 countries presently which have diplomatic ties with China.
ConGen Li Lin believes that the China-Philippine relations is in the best period. “Pragmatic cooperation in all fields are forging ahead with concrete outcomes being felt by people of both countries. China’s social and economic cooperation with the southern part of the Philippines is growing, particularly after the establishment of the Chinese Consulate General here in Davao.”
Yes, China is now the Philippines’ top trading partner; the largest source of imports and export market, as well as the second largest source for tourists who are “attracted to Davao to experience the famous Life is Here” DOT slogan as revealed by ConGen Li Lin.
“The past 12 months witnessed substantial bilateral economic and trade cooperation. Two China-aid drug treatment centers were built and turned over to the Department of Health…With joint efforts on both sides, the first batches of young coconuts and tuna from Davao were exported to China. We are working with local and national governments to push for the early approval of the cooperation agreements on major infrastructure projects such as the Davao-Samal Bridge, the Davao River Bridge, and the Mindanao Railway project, as well as the export of other agricultural products to China,” ConGen Li Lin reiterated among the other matters he covered in his rather lengthy welcome speech.
On the other hand, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio conveyed her congratulations and best wishes to ConGen Li Lin on behalf of the Davaoenos. She conveyed the message that she looks forward to a productive collaboration and exchanges with China in the coming years to realize a mutually beneficial relationship based on friendship, trust, cooperation and respect. After her brief speech, a celebratory wine toasting was held; and dinner catered by Men Seng Hotel was then served.
The program, conducted in both English and Mandarin, was professionally emceed by the gorgeous Candice Tan of Chinatown TV and the friendly Willord Chua of Chinoy TV. It included song and dance numbers performed by Sakya students; the Kalumon Performing Ensemble; Colegio de San Ignacio students; Shuang Shuang Lu; Chong Hua High School students; the group of Sakya Consulate Officials, overseas Chinese leaders, members of Chinese State Companies, teachers from China; and members of the Christian Colleges of Southeast Asia.
Thank you, Honorary Consul of Denmark in Davao, madame Rowena Vida Lisbona, for giving me the privilege to be your escort in the event in the absence of dear Miguel Lisbona. Thank you, ConGen Li Lin and madame Qiu Aiping, for inviting me to my first ever PRC National Day experience.
Happy National Day, People’s Republic of China.
