By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet

The world’s oldest Chinatown in Binondo, Manila, has served as the foundation upon which an enduring friendship between two nations has led to strong diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties between the Philippines and China, nurturing a Filipino-Chinese community that continues to thrive until the present.

This unbreakable bond, that has withstood the test of time, ushers in a new era under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., as he led the ceremonial lighting of the iconic Jones Bridge in Manila’s Chinatown district on Saturday, June 7; thus jumpstarting the commencement of a weekly lights and sounds show at the bridge linking Binondo to central Manila.

Said event coincides with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the country’s diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, further adding value and substance to the historic bridge and its surroundings that were part of the administration’s Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) Project.

“This is what the Chinatown Revitalization Project is all about. It is about restoring Binondo [and] reaffirming its cultural and historical place and significance to our shared heritage,” President Marcos said during the lighting ceremony.

“We will transform Binondo into a place that we can always return to. From the old Manileños to the first-time visitors, lahat welcome dito,” the President added.

Bringing Back Memories of the country’s golden years

The Chief Executive cited such efforts as part of the government’s big push towards breathing new life into the storied district of Binondo, Manila, preserving its rich cultural and historical heritage for future generations.

He also considered such initiatives as a way to revive the golden years of the world’s oldest Chinatown, paving the way for the restoration of other historic districts in the country and keeping them relevant amid significant leaps in modernization and urbanization.

“In times like these, when everything can feel loud and fast and confusing, I believe what we need is right here. A place as simple as a bridge or a street that tells us to pause and to reflect on who we are and what we share as a nation,” President Marcos said.

“Let us see this project through with the same vigor and dedication that we have shown to bring it this far. Let us finish Phase II, as we transform Ongpin and Escolta into cultural and economic hubs. We will bring back their golden years so that we can relive them,” the President added.

At the same event, President Marcos expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Filipino-Chinese community for carrying forward the friendship, values, culture, and history derived from the thriving relationship between the Philippines and China, which has bridged generations and traditions.

He was accompanied at the event by the First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos, and their children, House Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro,” Joseph Simon, and William Vincent.

The lighting ceremony was also attended by members of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), civic organizations, donors from the Filipino-Chinese community, and Chinese Embassy officials led by Ambassador Huang Xilian. Major contributors include various diamond and platinum sponsors from the private sector.

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