First Lady cites Filipino-Chinese community’s contribution to Philippines trade, cultural growth

MANILA, Philippines — First Lady Liza Marcos expressed her gratitude to the Filipino-Chinese community for their significant contribution to the country’s trade and cultural growth.

“A big thank you to our Filipino-Chinese community for always being part of our country’s trade and cultural growth,” the First Lady said in a post on Instagram.

She also thanked them for their support in revitalizing the Manila Chinatown and in the beautification of the Pasig River.

“Can’t thank you enough for your support in revitalizing our Manila Chinatown — the oldest Chinatown in the world and for lighting the bridges in our Pasig River,” she said.

The First Lady graced the thanksgiving dinner in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Philippines-China relations at Malacañang on Thursday.

Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian was among those who attended the gathering. Filipino-Chinese businessmen were also present.

Amid rising tensions between Manila and Beijing in the West Philippine Sea, China was the Philippines’ largest trading partner in 2023, with bilateral trade reaching about $41 billion.

In a speech during the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Manila last month, President Marcos said the Philippines “has always chosen the path of peace.”

The President said that through diplomacy, dialogue and cooperation, the Philippines has successfully maintained a region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous.

Meanwhile, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the First Lady has no plans of filing charges against those spreading fake news against her.

“That’s not the character of the First Lady,” she said in Filipino.

Castro on Thursday denied social media posts alleging that the First Lady has been “detained” in the United States.