PH Consulate General in Xiamen, Economic Association of Returned Overseas Chinese from the Philippines in ShishiCity Renew Commitment to PH Progress, Development
Top photo: Attendees of the celebration of Philippine Independence Day and Philippine-Chinese Friendship Day. Middle photos: CG Mendoza-Oblena delivers her Independence Day message highlighting the plans and projects of PCG Xiamen, and CG Mendoza Oblena with Mr. Hong Qing Dian, President of EARPS. Bottom left photo: Attendees stand in attention for the Philippine and Chinese national anthems. Bottom right photo: Mr. Hong Qing Tan, President of EARPS (leftmost), Mr Dong Li Xin, Chairman of Shishi Returned Overseas Chinese Federation, and Mr. Wu Qing Tan (Michael Go), founding President, second from right, discuss last-minute details concerning the event. (Xiamen PCG photo)
XIAMEN 22 June 2022 — In celebration of the 124th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence, the 47th Anniversary of the Establishment of Philippine-China relations, and the 21st Filipino-Chinese Friendshisp Day, the Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen, led by Consul General Maria Antoninina M. Mendoza-Oblena, and the Economic Assocation of Returned Overseas Chinese from the Philippines in ShishiCity (EARPS) held a simple but meaningful celebration on 19 June 2022 at the LuDao International Hotel.
In her speech/Presentation during the event, CG Oblena updated EARPS members of the activities, achievements and future plans of the PCG in Xiamen in the interest of improving delivery of services and to further enhance Philippines-China (Fujian/Jiangxi) understanding.
She emphasized how returned overseas Chinese are crucial and important, not only to PCG Xiamen but also to Philippines-China relations. A significant 80% of Chinese in the Philippines came from Fujian Province, specifically from Shishi, Jinjiang and Quangzhou and they are instrumental in further developing the good relations between both countries.
She lauded EARPS for their affinity and fondness for the Philippines and their desire to support the Philippines in whichever ways possible.
The Founding President of the Association, Wu Qin Tan (Michael Co), and the current President (Hong) rendered brief remarks about EARPS and expressed the desire to forge closer cooperation with the Philippines, through the Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen. EARPS is not only interested in business engagements in the Philippines but also on people-to-people exchanges.
EARPS members present, who expressed enthusiasm to the presence of PCG personnel during the event, fondly recalled memories of their stay in the Philippines. Some of them have stayed in the Philippines during their childhood and school days, some have stayed there for a considerable number of years, some have established business establishments and facilities there and some have visited the Philippines on several occasions. Most of these returned overseas Chinese even spoke the Filipino language. Almost all of them plans to travel back to the Philippines as soon as conditions allow.
The assembly listened with attentive enthusiasm to the messages of H.E. PRRD and President-elect Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the event. Around 50 EARPS members attended the event. END
For more information, visit https://www.xiamenpcg.dfa.gov.ph.