‘Make Chinese New Year a holiday’

MANILA, Philippines - The declaration of Chinese New Year as a special working holiday has been proposed.

Sen. Loren Legarda recently filed Senate Bill 3289 for that purpose to recognize the invaluable contributions of the Filipino-Chinese.

The bill’s passage would strengthen Filipino-Chinese amity, she added.

In a statement before the weekend, Legarda said the relationship between Chinese and Filipinos has spanned centuries.

“These linkages were further strengthened by the gradual assimilation of ethnic Chinese with the local population following intermarriages among them,” she said.

Legarda said national hero Jose Rizal and Gen. Vicente Lim are examples of Filipino-Chinese who have become an integral part of the nation’s history.

“This bill seeks to recognize the immeasurable contribution of the Filipino-Chinese community in our country,” she said.

Legarda said over the years,  the Filipino-Chinese have stamped their mark on the country’s economic and cultural development.

“Their known acumen in entrepreneurship and solidarity with their host country, as expressed in their volunteer organizations, have continued to strengthen ties among various communities,” she said.

In China and other predominantly Chinese populated countries, Chinese New Year is considered as the most important of all holidays.

The celebration lasts for 15 days and begins on the first day of the lunar calendar.