Remarks of Amb. Huang on the Groundbreaking Ceremony of Samal Island - Davao City Connector (SIDC) Project
（Oct. 27 9:00）
His Excellency President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Macros,
Her Excellency Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio，
Honorable Secretary Manuel Bonoan,
Honorable Special Assistant Antonio Lagdameo,
Honorable Mayor Sabastian Duterte,
Ladies and Gentlemen，
Good morning！
It’s my great honor to join the groundbreaking ceremony of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector project. Please allow me to extend my warmest congratulations on the commencement of the project and my sincere appreciation towards President Macros and Vice President Sara for gracing this event. I’d also like to thank DPWH for your thoughtful preparation and efficient work.
The people of Davao have been dreaming of the bridge since long time ago. Thanks to the care and support of leaders of our two countries, the construction of this flagship project is initiated today. It reflects China’s commitment to the Build Better More program of the Philippine government, and marks a significant milestone of the bilateral cooperation. According to the framework agreement, China will provide a concessional loan of $350 million for the construction of the bridge, with an aim to facilitate local residents’ travel, promote the development of the Samal island and enhance the sustainable development of Davao city and surrounding regions.
Last week, the 20th National Congress of the CPC was successfully held in Beijing, drawing a blueprint of China’s future development. From that day forward, the central task of the CPC would be to lead the Chinese people to realize the second centenary goal of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects and to advance the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through Chinese modernization.
The vital process of Chinese modernization will definitely have a profound impact on the world and benefit mankind. China and the Philippines are close neighbors who enjoy complementary development advantages and broad prospects for cooperation. In China’s journey towards modernization, we are willing to work hand in hand with the Philippines for mutual benefit and common development, and I believe this will surely facilitate the Philippines’ economic transformation and modernization process.
Over the 100 days since President Marcos Jr. took office, the new administration prioritized economic growth and livelihood improvement. It resonates with the development method of Chinese modernization. Looking ahead, great potential is to be exploited for China-Philippines cooperation. China is ready to work with the Philippine side to fulfill consensus among our leaders, strengthen our ties as close neighbors, good relatives and friendly partners, further our cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, energy and people-to-people exchange, so as to bring more tangible benefits to our peoples.
At last, I hope both sides could join hands to secure on-time and quality completion of the project. The bridge will be, as we believe, a new passage to a better livelihood of the local people, a new landmark of the region of Davao, and a new milestone of the China-Philippines friendship.
Thanks!