President Benigno Aquino III on Sunday joined the Chinese-Filipino community in celebrating the Lunar New Year.
In his message, Aquino said the dynamic heritage of Chinese-Filipinos adds depth and vibrancy to the Republic’s history.
“Your contributions are as far reaching as they are varied; your unique culture has become part of our collective identity as Filipinos. Thus, the government is one with you in celebrating the Lunar New Year—one of the most significant events in the Chinese calendar,” said Aquino. “May this event enrich, highlight, and promote the qualities, values, and ideals that make your community a treasured component of our nation; may it embody the harmony and hope signaled by the turn of the year.”
The President said the strong, resilient, and vibrant country that is today, is empowered by the multifaceted milieu.
“Let us rejoice in the stable environment that has allowed us to harness this multiplicity of talents and perspectives towards our resurgence, and continue to foster it as a foundation of a truly progressive and inclusive Philippines for all of our people,” he said.
Aquino wished the Chinese-Filipino community happiness, prosperity, and good health for the coming year.
Earlier, Aquino said, “the joint celebration is a manifestation of our solidarity with our Chinese-Filipino brethren who have been part of our lives in many respects as a country and as a people.”