APCU and its role in promoting bilateral relations

The Dalai Lama once said, “Mutual respect is the foundation of genuine harmony.”

This to me simply sums up what the Association for Philippine-China Understanding has done over the years being the pioneer and leading non government organization that has played an instrumental role in strengthening diplomatic ties between the Philippines and China. As an integral component of its organization, the APCU has also established the Award for Promoting Philippine-China Understanding (APPCU) and this year, on June 7, we are once again paying special tribute to Filipinos who have made efforts over time to fortify friendly ties and promote mutual understanding between the Philippines and China through their respective advocacies.

The APPCU was launched in Jan. 16, 2021, when State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo jointly attended the inauguration of the Manila Forum for China-Philippines Relations via video link where the APPCU’s mission was based on actively promoting friendship and people to people exchanges being the key to sound state to state relations.

Each year, laureates are chosen with three award categories namely, The Hall of Fame category, The Outstanding Contributions category and the Major Contributions category.

Some of APCU’s most prestigious awardees are former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, the late Ambassador of the Philippines to China Chito Sta. Romana, professor Rommel C. Banlaoi, Teresita Ang See, Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime A. Flor Cruz, former president Joseph Ejercito Estrada, Princess Jacel H. Kiram, former Special Envoy of the President to the People’s Republic of China Ambassador Carlos Chan, and former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

Fostering amity as the APPCU embodies has prospered throughout the years as a result of goodwill and mutual respect with history showing us that our two countries have enjoyed many years of friendship and cooperation.

The award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding has showcased Filipinos in their fields of expertise such as their contributions to mass media and communication, culture and education, public service and trade among many other advocacies that continue to promote our long-standing friendship as neighbors and friends in the region.Much of our laureates’ efforts have provided valuable insight as well as access to more opportunities by continuing to promote Philippine-China bilateral relations and through such, there has been a growing significant impact seen up to the grassroots level by being a bridge of cooperation and socio-cultural exchanges.

Not too long ago, in Beijing, I had a conversation with a former tourism executive and professor who, even in his later years, fondly remembers his experience with the former First Lady Imelda Marcos and the impact she had in fostering friendly ties between our two countries. Most recently, the former First Lady was seen still advocating the same principle of respect and friendship.

On the other hand, during my brief encounter with former Ambassador Sta. Romana, I was amazed by his dedication in fostering the very same spirit of both friendship and cooperation in the middle of a pandemic where I was very fortunate to have been graced with a one-on-one interview.

Former president Duterte, on the other hand, showed the same formidable spirit that continued to enhance trade relations and mutual respect between two countries that were battling with an invisible enemy – COVID-19.

While the APPCU has had many other notable awardees, I have in most recent times learned more of their efforts, especially those by Oishi’s Carlos Chan who most recently received the outstanding Chinese Government Friendship Award for his contributions in fostering good business cooperation between the Philippines and China.

Through our laureates, our enduring relationship with China is further enhanced by people to people exchanges and mutual cooperation. Every year, extraordinary Filipino citizens who have made a difference in Philippines- China relations are chosen by APCU and are given a special tribute for making a mark in our bilateral relations.

Domestically, our Filipino Chinese community is honored through the APPCU especially for their commitment in business and culture. Considering that China is the fastest growing economy among the major nations, perhaps, one can say that, thanks to geography, we have the benefit of being both friends and partners in many different areas of collaboration – one that is built on mutual respect and genuine harmony. With gratitude to all our awardees past and present, they have truly made it possible for us to build on a shared future for all.