Duterte urges Filipinos, Chinese to fortify enduring goodwill

President Rodrigo Duterte. TOTO LOZANO/Presidential Photo/FILE

President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday urged the Chinese community in the country to “fortify the goodwill” it has shared with the Filipino people over the years.

“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,” Duterte said in his Chinese New Year message.

“The government shares the joys and hopes of our Chinese friends and Chinese Filipinos who have found a root and reason for staying in the country. They have enriched the Filipino culture and history on their own,” he added.

He lauded the Chinese community for their contribution to the Philippine economy through trade and investments.

“They have contributed to the 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 lesson that all of us, regardless of nationality, can learn from,” he said.

“To everyone 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,” he added.

The Chinese New Year will be celebrated in the country on January 28. IDL

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