PAGADIAN CITY, Philippines (PIA) – The government acknowledged the great contribution of Chinese culture to our country.

This was disclosed by Zamboanga del Sur Governor Antonio H. Cerilles in his message during the opening program of the Chinese New Year celebration here recently.

Speaking in front of a large crowd, Cerilles, the guest of honor of the activity, said the Chinese culture, one of the oldest civilizations of the world, has a unique place among cultures in Asia, and in our country.

Cerilles said the Philippines, which is very rich in history and in culture, used to celebrate New Year for the Chinese, Christians, and Muslims alike.

“The Philippines used to celebrate three most important New Year celebrations – the Chinese New Year, the Christian New Year, and the Muslim New Year,” Cerilles added.

According to Cerilles, we are very lucky that we have diverse cultures in our country.

“These cultures were already included in our religious or traditional practice and even in our laws,” he added.

As this developed, the Zamboanga del Sur governor lauded the city government here for celebrating the Chinese New Year, hoping that the festivity will be replicated in other cities and neighboring municipalities in Mindanao to prove to the world that the Philippines is very rich in culture.

“We are very happy that Pagadian through Mayor Co and the rest of city officials are the only people that celebrate Chinese New Year in Mindanao for eight consecutive years,” Cerilles added.

In a related development, Mayor Samuel Co, who is a Filipino-Chinese blooded official, said the celebration revitalizes the “bonds of friendship, harmony, and cooperation” among our people.

Co said that in the two-day celebration, the city government here and the Pagadian Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PCCCII) have prepared several activities like a field demonstration, Chinese cultural show, gift-giving event, Chinese food festival, fireworks display, and dancing fountain show, which did not only make people happy but to express “our thanksgiving to the Almighty for the abundant blessings that our city has received.”

The city chief executive here particularly mentioned the establishment of more hotels, department stores, restaurants, and the undergoing construction of new commercial buildings in this city that showcased the city’s best potential and the good business and investment opportunities.

Co said the great success of the Chinese New Year celebration was attributed to the active support of the City Tourism Council, the PCCCII headed by its president Felix Hao, the Filipino-Chinese community, and the Department of Education (DepEd) family for their time, efforts, and financial support, as it welcomed the year of the water dragon.

Co also recognized the contribution of the Filipino-Chinese community in the sustained progress of the city.