By JOREYLENE ROJO & KRISTINA CRUJIDO/DNSC Interns
MAYOR Sebastian Duterte highlighted the long-standing friendship between China and Davao City during the Chinese New Year celebration held Monday evening, Feb. 16, at the Bucana Bridge along the Davao City Coastal Road.
The mayor personally attended the event, where he thanked China for its continued support of Davao City, particularly for the construction of the Bucana Bridge at no cost to the local and Philippine governments.
“Kining tulay nga atong ginatungtungan karon, ginagamit, ginaagihan, gihatag ni sa atoa sa China nga libre, wala ta’y gigasto (The bridge we are standing, using, or passing through now, was donated to us by China. We did not spend anything), Duterte said in his speech.
He also emphasized that ties between China and the Philippines date back many years, recalling early trade relations between Chinese merchants and pre-colonial Filipinos, especially in the southern parts of the country.
The mayor added that China never attempted to colonize the Philippines and expressed hope that peaceful relations between the two will continue, noting that cooperation supports development and progress.
The Chinese New Year celebration gathered local officials, members of the Filipino-Chinese community, and residents who joined cultural performances and festivities at the bridge site.
