FFCCCII launches coffee table book celebrating Filipino-Chinese heritage

FFCCCII president Dr. Cecilio Pedro led the ceremonial turnover of the book which takes readers on a journey showcasing the unique blend of Filipino and Chinese heritage, highlighting the cooperation, social and economic progress championed by the group over the past seven decades.

Pedro personally coined the 70th anniversary theme which symbolizes the unique identity of Filipinos with Chinese ancestry dedicated to fostering the economic and social progress of the Philippines.

Several events were organized to commemorate the occasion, starting with the unveiling of the coffee table book and the FFCCCII exhibit. The 70th anniversary welcome dinner took place at the East Ocean Palace in Paranaque on March 8.

The chamber’s trade committee organized a business forum on March 9 at SMX Function Hall 2, which was followed by an anniversary gala dinner at the SMX Convention Center.

Pedro said that despite the global economic challenges, the FFCCCII remains optimistic about the robust growth of the Philippines this year.

While there are more than 3,000 Filipino Chinese associations in the country, only FFCCCII has earned the title “spokesperson of the Filipino-Chinese community”. Since its establishment 70 years ago, FFCCCII and the pioneers of the Filipino-Chinese community have worked tirelessly to position the association as a buffer for social conflicts between the Filipino Chinese community and Philippine mainstream society.

Prov. Wang RiGen, a long-time researcher on Filipino-Chinese issues from Xiamen University, said the success of FFCCCII could be attributed to three factors. FFCCCII advocated for collective naturalization, granting local Chinese equal rights and obligations with Filipinos, paving the way for Filipino-Chinese to make significant contributions to the Philippines as well.

FFCCCII also encouraged local Chinese to gradually transition into various industries and enterprises, providing opportunities for them to fully utilize their business expertise. It also promotes the integration of local Chinese into mainstream society and encourages them to give back.

These include donating school rooms, providing charity medical services and volunteering as firefighters which have earned the trust of the Filipino people.

FFCCCII said it is committed to continuing its significant role in national development in the future.

Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. lauded the chamber for the legacy it has established through partnership, perseverance and shared dreams, which have shaped the socio-economic landscape of the country.

Abalos said FFCCCII stands as one of the cornerstones of the nation’s progress. “The most important thing is your heart of being Filipinos whenever you are,” said Abalos.

Secretary Frederick Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, outlined several government projects, including initiatives to improve the ease of doing business in the Philippines.

“Our country has so much potential. High value investments are key drivers for economic expansion. I hope that you are all convinced that this government means doing business.” said Go.

Go expressed his appreciation to the FFCCCII for all the contributions it extended to communities. “Keep doing business, it is the best way to help our country and also yourselves,” Go said.

Jinjiang City Mayor Wang Ming Yuan praised FFCCCII for its significant contributions to the Filipino Chinese community and the development of the Philippines as a whole.

He encouraged local Chinese businessmen to visit and invest in Jinjiang, promoting mutual economic and cultural exchanges.

Jinjiang City, located in the southern coastal part of Fujian Province, China, is the hometown of the majority of the Filipino-Chinese community. — Michael Wong Ho