Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Thursday announced in Manila that she has proclaimed June 9 as Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day.
Arroyo made the announcement during the opening ceremonies in the Presidential Palace of the Second National Convention of the Chinese Filipino Business Club Inc. (CFBCI), the Philippine News Agency reported.
"June 9 coincides with the establishment of the formal diplomatic relations with your home, the Philippines, and your ancestral motherland, China," the president explained to over 400 business leaders gathering at the meeting.
In her speech, Arroyo said the Filipino-Chinese are a cherished part of the Philippine society.
(Xinhua News Aagency January 25, 2002)
