Speech by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Chinatown Revitalization Phase II: A Walk Through Heritage

Thank you very much to the Manila City Mayor, Mayor Isko Domagoso.

The Ambassador of China Jing Quan. And I thank you very much for the good news that you have brought about the flights going to Cebu. And I hope that it will be the beginning of more interactions and people-to-people exchange between China and the Philippines.

The Excellencies of the Diplomatic Corps; the members of the Cabinet who are here present with us; the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Inc. President Victor Lim; and of course the First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos; and our beloved donors for the China Revitalization Phase II Project; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

Good evening.

Today, I am excited to join you all in this historic district of Binondo for the second phase of the Chinatown Revitalization Project.

Binondo, founded in 1594, is described as the world’s oldest Chinatown.

Beyond its age, what makes this place special is its long story of commerce, faith, and culture between Filipinos and the Chinese community.

This initiative is all about honoring shared histories and giving the district the much-needed attention and respect that it deserves.

Last year, Phase One of the project restored and illuminated Jones Bridge, turning it once again into an iconic landmark for the City of Manila.

It also positioned the bridge as a heritage landmark and a nighttime attraction, contributing to the revitalization of the Pasig River corridor and promoting cultural tourism.

So what better way to welcome the upcoming Chinese New Year than to build on the progress that we have made with Phase Two of this project.

Through architectural lighting and projection mapping, we are giving new life to Binondo’s heritage.

In this phase, we will further develop Ongpin Street into a cultural and economic hub, and enhance key historical landmarks with lighting and thematic presentations along Ongpin and Escolta Streets.

All of these complement the progress we are making under the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli Program.

From reclaiming public spaces such as Plaza Mexico and expanding pedestrian corridors towards Arroceros Forest Park, to modernizing river transport and clearing our waterways, we are restoring life to the river and the communities beside it.

Now, people can walk, can jog, or bike from neighboring Intramuros, pass the Manila Central Post Office, cross Jones Bridge, and arrive here in Binondo.

To further strengthen mobility, we are developing the Pasig River Ferry system to link Manila Bay and Laguna Lake.

This way, Binondo becomes more accessible and more appreciated by more people, especially the younger generation.

These efforts will reinforce the district’s historical role as a center of trade, of faith, and community, and support culture-based tourism and local economic activity.

This project is for the benefit of Chinese-Filipinos who call Binondo home, and for every Manileño who visits and travels through its busy streets everyday.

Moreover, it is for every Filipino and for anyone who wishes to gain a better understanding of our culture and our history.

No matter what you are here for, whether you want to taste the best Chinese-Filipino cuisine, shop in Chinese pharmacies and groceries, go on a photography walk along the district’s lively alleys, Binondo has something in store for you to enjoy.

All of these activities matter because they show our curiosity and appreciation for Binondo.

I believe that the effects of this initiative must remain accessible to all.

Heritage must be something we can all learn from and enjoy, regardless of where we come from or who we are.

Of course, this project was made possible through the cooperation between the government, the private sector, and the Filipino-Chinese community.

The outcomes remind us how much we can achieve if we work together to preserve our heritage.

I look forward to the results of this project as we breathe new life into this place, which becomes a better foundation for a better, more united Bagong Pilipinas.

Maraming salamat po.

Mabuhay po at mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas. [applause]

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