To celebrate Chinese National Day and the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of the Philippines and the LF Joy Foundation, an institution that provides medical and educational support to Filipino youth in need, have donated food packs and school supplies to approximately 300 children from the neighboring communities and partner non-government organizations (NGOs) of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

Dubbed Love Sharing, the initiative was conducted in collaboration with the college’s Center for Social Action (CSA). The beneficiaries included young learners aged 4 to 13 from Barangays 41, 46 and 48 from the City of Pasay and Barangays 731, 742, 743, 745, 746, 752 and 755 from the City of Manila.

To express their gratitude to the donors, the children prepared a heartwarming program that exhibited the respective culture and friendly relations between the two nations. Several recipients championed the beauty and elegance of the traditional Filipino and Chinese costumes in a fashion show.

Others channeled their talent and creativity in a poster-making contest themed Together, we can make a difference. A friendly dance competition likewise provided a venue for the kids to showcase their respective interpretations of the Fan Dance, Ribbon Dance and Umbrella Dance, as well as demonstrate the Philippine folk dances such as Tinikling, Maglalatik, and Cariñosa.

They likewise extended support to the non-profit NGOs committed to promote the physical, social, economic and educational well-being of the youth, such as Educational Research and Development Assistance (ERDA) Foundation, Inc., AKAP sa Bata Philippines, GEMS Heart Foundation, and Unang Hakbang Foundation.

The collaboration has provided avenues for the Embassy and the Foundation to explore future partnerships in line with the College’s academic and non-academic programs and mission opportunities.