Duterte lauds Chinese contribution to Philippine culture, economy in Spring Festival message

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte extended his greetings on Friday to the Chinese Filipinos as they celebrate the Spring Festival, popularly known in the Philippines as the Chinese New Year, on Saturday.

In his message read by Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella during his regular news briefing at Malacanang, the presidential palace, on Friday, Duterte said the government shares the joys and hopes of the Chinese friends and Chinese Filipinos who have found a root and reason for staying in the Philippines.

He cited how the Chinese have enriched the Filipino culture and history and their contribution to the Philippine economy by trade and investments.

"Their cuisine has been dearly familiar in many Filipino homes. Their philosophy and attitude in life are a wellspring of practical lessons that all of us, regardless of nationality, can learn from," he said.

"May all of us develop a more profound appreciation of our heritage as two distinct yet intertwined peoples, and further fortify the goodwill that we have shared over the years," the president said.

"To everyone else who believes in the miracle of beginnings and who makes a choice for hope against fear, my best wishes on this auspicious season of the Chinese New Year."

January 28 is declared as a special non-working day in the Philippines in observance of the Spring Festival. Endit