13 August 2013 – Eighteen (18) Chinese media professionals are visiting the Philippines from August 13 to 17 to join the “Chinese Media Familiarization Tour” organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) under the ambit of the Philippines-China Years of Friendly Exchanges (YFE).

The Chinese participants were invited by the DFA through its Foreign Service Posts in mainland China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and Macau SAR. Majority of the participants represent the print media while the others are from TV.

Highlights of the five-day event include a “Forum on the Evolving Role of Media in Philippine and Chinese Societies,” a briefing on Philippine politics and foreign policy, a visit in Bahay Tsinoy, an interview with a Cabinet Secretary and a tour of Bohol.

The Familiarization Tour aims to develop mutual appreciation among Filipino and Chinese media professionals of their roles in their respective societies; foster mutual understanding of each country’s political, economic and social conditions; and facilitate networking among Filipino and Chinese media professionals.

The YFE is a joint initiative by the Philippines and China to encourage more people-to-people exchanges in order to strengthen understanding and mutual trust between them. END