The Quezon City government has prepared a three-day celebration for the Chinese New Year from February 9 to 11 to promote Banawe as the city’s Chinatown tourism hub.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, QC Tourism Department Officer-In-Charge Maria Teresa Tirona said the city government is expecting about 10,000 local and foreign tourists for the event as the city holds various activities that will include a Chinatown Heritage Tour, among others.

Mayor Joy Belmonte said the festivities signify the city’s commitment to promoting Banawe through its various cultural attractions that feature the unique Filipino-Chinese heritage in the city.

“Magkakaroon din ng pagkakataon ang ating mga kababayan na mapalago ang kanilang kaalaman ukol sa mayamang kultura ng mga kapatid nating Chinese (The public will have the chance to deepen their knowledge of the rich culture of our Chinese brothers and sisters),” she said in a statement.

Tirona said members of the press, as well as social media influencers, were invited to attend the heritage tour to be led by Chinese tour guide Stanley Chi.

The tour will explore landmarks in the area such as Sheng Lian Temple, the Buddhist Humanitarian Organization headquarters of the Tzu Chi Foundation, the Filipino-Chinese Friendship arcs called “Paifangs”, and the Wow Toy Museum, among others.

It will also include a food crawl to some of the hidden culinary gems of the city’s Chinatown District.

A food, arts, and crafts fair will also be held featuring Chinese delicacies, lucky charms, and unique artisanal products.

A Chinatown float parade, Chinese calligraphy, and painting demonstration will also be held, while a Lion and Dragon dancers will perform around the area.

Meanwhile, Police District Chief Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said they will deploy uniformed personnel during the three-day celebration to secure the areas, despite the absence of any threats.

“We will be deploying 200 uniformed personnel. We will also assist in the traffic management. We will also provide security dun sa mga routes na dadaanan ng parade at ang mga (on the routes where the parade will pass, as well as on the) bike route. For the coming three days, Feb. 9 to Feb. 11, you will see policemen securing the areas,” Maranan said.

The city government advised motorists that the following roads will be closed from 9 p.m. on Feb. 8 to 2 p.m. on Feb. 11.

• Del Monte Avenue corner Matutum Street
• G. Roxas Street corner Banawe Street
• Linaw Street corner Matutum Street
• Banawe Avenue corner Sta. Catalina Street
• Sta. Catalina Street corner Linaw Street

A traffic re-routing will be implemented for motorists who will be affected by the road closure. (PNA)