118th PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY and the 15th FILIPINO-CHINESE FRIENDSHIP DAY

ANVIL BUSINESS CLUB Regents and Officers recently attended the joint celebration of the 118th Philippine Independence Day and the 15th Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day organized by the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) held at the PICC Reception Hall on June 10,2016.
The event started with the Invocation by Dr. Cecilio Pedro, Vice President of the FFCCCII and followed by the Welcome Address by the President of the Federation, Mr. Angel Ngu.
FRIENDSHIP AND COOPERATION
Highlights of the event were key messages from the Chinese Ambassador ZHAO JIANHUA expressing much optimism on the long standing "Friendship and Cooperation" between the Philippines and China. Mentioned as well was the Increased bilateral trade and Chinese Tourists visiting the country despite the recent political challenges.
"China attaches great importance to our relationship with the Philippines and has always regarded the Philippines as a friend rather than a foe,” Zhao said. “I firmly believe the future of China-Philippine relations will be brighter, the friendship between our people will be deeper, [and] the bilateral cooperation between our two countries will be more fruitful"

FOSTERING GREATER UNDERSTANDING AND CLOSER TIES OF FRIENDSHIP

Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker President BENIGNO S. AQUINO III praised the FFCCCII for its support of the Philippines not only through trade and investments, as the Filipino-Chinese businessmen accounts for majority of the ownership of the country's top 1,000 Corporations that helped provide for more employment thereby uplifting the economy. More importantly are it's initiatives to act during calamity situations and initiate social services focused on education, health and peace and order.

He also cited the important role the organization has played in “fostering greater understanding and closer ties of friendship between the Philippines and China—whether in terms of cultural activities, trade and investment, or in the informal manner that served as a channel of communications, given the disputes in the sea known by many names.”
The event was followed with various cultural performances from both countries.