On March 10, the Chinese Consulate in Laoag and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte jointly held the opening ceremony of the Chinese Garden.

The event was led by Consul&Head of Post Zhou Youbin and Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc together with Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Tourism of the Philippines Howard Lance Uyking, Region 1 Director of the Department of Tourism Jeff Ortega, provincial board members, mayors and some Filipino-Chinese communities and leaders.

 

In his speech, Consul Zhou said that after four years of joint efforts, the Chinese Garden project jointly implemented by the Chinese Consulate in Laoag and Ilocos Norte Provincial Government has successfully been completed and unveiled. He then expressed gratitude to Senator Imee Marcos, Governor Matthew Manotoc, provincial board members, staffs of the provincial government and Filipino-Chinese communities and leaders for their strong support in the construction of the project.

Boasting with beautiful scenery, the Chinese Garden is located in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, complimenting the beautiful Paoay Lake and just next to the Malacañang of the North, the Consul said that this is a perfect place both for local people and tourists to experience the exquisite architecture, discover some Chinese arts and culture as well as a place for them to enjoy and relax.

Consul Zhou emphasized that this is a gift to the people of Ilocos Norte and the opening of which is an important event to celebrate the 46th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines. This is also the latest manifestation of the friendship between China and the Philippinesand another sign of the two countries' cooperation and mutual benefit.

Moreover, Zhou pointed out that under the guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Duterte, the comprehensive strategic cooperative relationship between China and the Philippines has entered a new golden era and practical cooperation in various fields has achieved fruitful results.Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the people of China and the Philippines have always helped and supported each other to overcome difficulties together.

Zhou also mentioned the successful visit of Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi to the Philippines last January to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and that gives a new impetus into China-Philippine cooperation. He noted that on February 28, 600,000 doses of vaccines aided by the Chinese government have arrived in the Philippines which was personally accepted by President Duterte stating as well that this was the first batch of vaccines accepted by the Philippines. He expressed his sincere gratitude to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people for their generous support. Among the donated vaccines, frontline medical workers in Ilocos Norte have also begun to receive the vaccine.

Moral support, material assistance, and vaccine cooperation between the two governments and its people have written a new chapter in the China-Philippine friendship. Being good neighbors, good partners, and good friends, China will continue to fully support the Philippines in fighting the pandemic and will continue to help the Philippines overcome the pandemic to resume normal life and work as soon as possible.

 

Meanwhile, Governor Manotoc stated that because of friendly cooperation, the Ilocos Norte Provincial Government and the Chinese Consulate in Laoag have successfully completed the construction of the Chinese Garden. He thanked the Consulate for its strong support, long-term efforts and outstanding work. He likewise said that the Chinese Garden will provide convenience for the local people to enjoy its wonderful scenery and a place for them to rest and have entertainment outdoors. He then expressed that this will surely become a new tourist attraction in the province that will also boost its tourism. The official opening of the Garden is another manifestation of the friendly relations between China and the Philippines. Manotoc also recalled that when the province suffers severe natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, and earthquakes and also in this time of pandemic, the Consulate is always first to provide full assistance and generous donations to the province. This continuing development of Philippine-China relations is because of the good foundation laid together by President Marcos and Chinese leaders. The governor concluded that the people of Ilocos Norte will always be brothers and sisters of the Chinese people and will further strengthen exchanges and cooperation with local Chinese communities to promote friendship and cooperation for the mutual benefit of the people of both sides.

 

Region1 Director of Department of Tourism Jeff Ortega and Chairman of the Ilocos Norte Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce Mary Ang also delivered speeches to congratulate the opening of the Chinese Garden. The event was also filled with performances from the students of Paoay National High School.