The Filipino-Chinese community in this city thanked the local government for its support of institutionalized Chinese New Year celebrations, signaling deeper collaboration and fostering harmony between people of different cultures.

“Your valuable partnerships will surely make us reach and achieve the goal of the festival. This celebration is institutionalized so that we can regularly promote better understanding and cooperation between the Filipino and Chinese communities for us to continue in strengthening our historical friendship and unity,” Peter Ng, president of the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCCI)- Baguio Benguet chapter said during the Chinese New Year annual media fellowship at the Hotel Supreme Mall and Events Center Tuesday night.

Ng said the celebration ushers in a “closer and stronger bond” between Filipino and Chinese communities and promotes unity, peace and prosperity.

Meanwhile, Councilor Yuri Weygan, who represented the city government in the activity, expressed hope that the Chinese New Year brings opportunities for growth, progress and better understanding between different cultures.

“Thanks to the cooperation and understanding among each and everyone and thanks to the media that capture that for the local, national and international [scene],” he said

The Spring Festival or Chinese New Year celebration in Baguio was institutionalized through Ordinance 8-1999 that established an annual city-wide celebration of the occasion. The Year of the Fire Horse starts on Feb. 17, which was declared by Malacañang as a special non-working holiday.

The city government also suspends classes to allow students to take part in the celebration.

The festivity ends with a gift-giving activity in barangays. (PNA)