Your Excellency President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,

Your Excellency First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos,

Distinguished Guests,

Members of the Chinese community,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon!

I am delighted to join you here today to attend the Lighting Ceremony in celebration of the 50th anniversary of China-Philippines diplomatic ties.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation and congratulations to the First Lady for initiating this project and turning it into reality by her great personal efforts. And my special thanks to the Chinese engineers, who have contributed their talents and hard work to this project.

It is also important to note that without the generous support of the Filipino Chinese community, this project would not have come true. Chinese Filipinos have made tremendous contributions to national liberation and independence as well as the Philippines’ economic development, and cultural richness. They are true stakeholders and rightful protagonists in this multicultural society, whose participation and contribution should be well valued and cherished.

The illumination project of Pasig River has drawn inspiration from the landscape beautification of the Liangma River（亮马河）in Beijing. Through comprehensive ecological improvement by the Chinese government, the riverfront has been transformed into a vibrant public space, integrating natural scenery with urban culture. This project also implies how much our two countries can learn from each other and reinforce each other, for the benefit of our two peoples.

Half a century ago, the leaders of our two countries sized up the situation and made the strategic and audacious decision to establish our diplomatic relations. As we celebrate the golden jubilee （or 50th anniversary） of diplomatic relations, we have every reason to revisit the original vision of our forefathers, follow the heartfelt wishes of our two peoples, and seek cooperation instead of confrontation, dialogue instead of conflict.

As neighboring countries, China and the Philippines cannot move apart. Good-neighborliness serves the fundamental interests of both peoples. It is our sincere hope that more and more people will join our efforts to bring China-Philippines relations into a better future of healthy and stable development.

In conclusion, I wish this event every success. 

Thank you and mabuhay!