Yu underscored the contribution of the Filipino-Chinese community to the country’s economy saying many Filipino-Chinese are engaged in business such as banking, real estate, lending, manufacturing, hotel and tourism and many others.
The Filipino-Chinese community here has been actively involved not only in providing economic and employment opportunities but in responding to any calamities and maintaining peace and order as well.
“The occasion like this is very important not only because we are partying and eating Chinese food, but it brings us closer together,” said Rep. Yu, a full-blooded Chinese, adding that the annual activity was the Chinese people’s way of celebrating the joy for the blessings they received from God in the previous year.
“We thanked God for sparing our city from the threats of natural and man-made disasters especially from the Zamboanga siege and super typhoon Yolanda that claimed thousands of lives and damaged millions of properties in Eastern Visayas,” he pointed out.
Meanwhile, Mayor Romeo Pulmones has expressed his gratitude to the Pagadian Chinese Chamber of Commerce (PCCC) for the unwavering support to the programs and activities of the city government.
Although he is not a Chinese, Mayor Pulmones said he’s supporting the yearly celebration.
City Tourism Officer Joel Javier, on the other hand, said “the annual celebration highlights the rich cultural heritage and tradition of the Chinese community and its contribution to the country’s development.”
The event, which showcased Chinese Food Festival, cultural show, dragon and lion dances, fireworks, etc., was organized by the City Tourism Office in coordination with the Pagadian City Tourism Council and the PCCC. (PIA9)