Building bridges between the Chinese and Filipino communities. 

It is said that Chinese and Filipino people have been connected in commerce since pre-colonial times. This old-century connection between the two communities has been retained and continuously develop until now. 

One testament to this is the recent anniversary celebration of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII). 

Last March 9, the largest organization of Filipino-Chinese business celebrated its 70th anniversary at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. 

Under the current presidency of Dr. Cecilio Pedro, a known philanthropist and CEO of Lamoiyan Corporation, the FFCCCII is committed to strengthening the relations between China and the Philippines in business, trade, tourism, agriculture, and community service. 

‘Dugong Tsinoy, Pusong Pinoy‘

This year’s anniversary theme is ‘Dugong Tsinoy, Pusong Pinoy’ (Chinese by blood, Filipino by heart), expressing the unique identity of Filipinos with Chinese lineage devoted to promoting socio-economic developments in the country. 

Since 1954, the FFCCCII has been at the forefront of fostering the ‘economic, civic, social, and cultural life of the nation.’ 

More than just revitalizing the Philippine economy, the FFCCCII has organized diverse charities in the country over the decades, in line with the moral values of ‘ren’ (benevolence) and ‘yin’ (rightness), depicting the Confucian way of life. 

‘Operation Barrio Schools,’ the organization’s popular project, created almost 6,200 rural public schools across far-flung areas in the country since the 1960s. 

The FFCCCII also launched countless calamity relief aids, and free medical and dental missions. 

The nationwide Filipino Chinese Volunteer Fire Brigades has also been serving the communities for years by assisting fire and disaster victims. 

For its 70th anniversary, the organization launched a series of events for three days (March 8-10) to commemorate the FFCCCII’s significant contributions to the Philippine economy and society. 

FFCCCII coffee table book launch

On March 8, the FFCCCII launched its first-ever English-language coffee table book of the same title as the anniversary theme in Binondo, Manila. 

The launch was led by FFCCCII President Pedro, along with book editor AA Patawaran and other top members of the group. 

The book features the heritage and contributions of the FFCCCII and the Filipino-Chinese community in various fields in the country, especially in trade and commerce, for over seven decades. 

The FFCCCII book will be available in major bookstores nationwide in the future. 

70th Anniversary welcome dinner

After the book launch, a grand anniversary welcome dinner was held at the East Ocean Palace in Paranaque City. 

The event was attended by notable persons, such as Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte, Metrobank President Fabian Dee, and the top officials of the organization. 

Various delegates from different countries, including ASEAN countries, China, South Korea, Japan, Canada, Hong Kong, the US, and FFCCCII provincial representatives were also present. 

During the welcoming of guests, the attendees were serenaded with Chinese-themed music by the Philippine Cultural College Chinese Orchestra.  

The event was also packed with colorful combined performances of Dragon Soars for Prosperity, the Philippine Cultural College Dance Troupe, the Philippine Cultural College Wushu Team, the Filipino-Theater Dance Company, Chorus Tsinoy, and Wenyang PH, among others. 

The cultural song and dance performances showcased the unparalleled talents and beauty of Filipino-Chinese culture, as seen in the festive costumes and one-of-its-kind singing vocals. 

Both VP Duterte and Dee gave a speech during the welcome dinner, congratulating the FFCCCII for its vital contributions to the country’s economy. 

FFCCCII President Pedro also spoke in front of the guests during the Chairman’s Message. 

The event concluded with the closing remarks of FFCCCII Vice President Delfin Letran and a short all-cast gathering on the stage. 

Anniversary gala night 

On the second day of the celebration at SMX Convention Center, the event was graced with various important personalities in Philippine politics. 

Present at the event were the First Lady of the Philippines Liza Araneta-Marcos, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, former President and Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Senators Cynthia Villar, Sherwin Gatchalian, JV Ejercito, and former senator Dick Gordon. 

Several cabinet secretaries, top local government officials, and delegates from different countries also attended the gala night. 

Like the welcome dinner, the gala night was also filled with festive-themed cultural performances, boasting the rich cultures of Chinese and Filipino communities. 

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian was the opening speaker of the event, where he applauded the efforts of the FFCCCII to strengthen the ties between China and the Philippines. 

Meanwhile, Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual highlighted the significant accomplishments of the organization and its long-lasting legacy in commerce.

A wine-toasting event took place, followed by a heartfelt speech by FFCCCII President Pedro. 

Executive Vice President Victor Lim made the closing remarks. The event ended with a short video, showing some of the behind-the-scenes preparations and main highlights of the gala night. 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., former Presidents Rodrigo Duterte, and Joseph Estrada also extended their congratulatory message to the FFCCCII. 

Path to digitalization 

During his speech on the gala night, FFCCCII President Pedro urged all business groups in the country to promote and strengthen business digitalization to ensure global competitiveness. 

He also encouraged the youth to participate in this endeavor as the vehicle and catalyst of technological advancement. 

Dr. Pedro also emphasized the FFCCCII’s continued vow to foster economic progress and make the Philippines more competitive globally.  

The three-day anniversary celebration ended with a send-off dinner at the Marriott Hotel in Manila on March 10.