President Benigno Aquino III with PCOO Secretary Sonny Coloma grace the ceremony of Manila Bulletin 116th anniversary, offered a toast along with Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President Dr. Emilio Yap III and President of Manila Hotel Joey Lina in celebration of the anniversary. Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation (MB) was founded as the Daily Bulletin on February 2, 1900 for the purpose of engaging in the publishing business. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) − President Benigno Aquino III on Monday joined the Filipino-Chinese community in celebration the Lunar New Year, calling it “a treasured component of our nation.”
In a message, Aquino wished Tsinoys “happiness, prosperity, and good health” for the coming year.
Aquino highlighted the heritage of Chinese-Filipinos, which he said, “adds depth and vibrancy to our Republic’s history.”
“Your contributions are as far reaching as they are varied; your unique culture has become part of our collective identity as Filipinos,” he said.
“Thus, the government is one with you in celebrating the Lunar New Year − one of the most significant events in the Chinese calendar. May this event enrich, highlight, and promote the qualities, values, and ideals that make your community a treasured component of our nation; may it embody the harmony and hope signaled by the turn of the year,” Aquino added.
“The strong, resilient, and vibrant country that we are today is powered by our multifaceted milieu. Let us rejoice in the stable environment that has allowed us to harness this multiplicity of talents and perspectives towards our resurgence, and continue to foster it as a foundation of a truly progressive and inclusive Philippines for all of our people.”
Aquino declared February 8 as a special non-working holiday under Proclamation No. 1105.
He was also celebrating his 56th birthday Monday.(MNS)