The Vis-Min Merchants Amity Association Inc. celebrated its 46th anniversary and held its 24th induction ceremony at the Century Seafood Restaurant in Manila on Jan. 4, 2025. The event also featured a New Year dinner party.
Honorary president Cai Cheng Hui chaired the ceremony, during which Chen Rui Ren was elected as the new president of the association.
Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) president Dr. Cecilio Pedro served as the guest speaker during the event.
In his address, Pedro extended heartfelt congratulations and New Year blessings to the association and its members.
He highlighted the importance of planning and diligence in achieving success. “The plan for the year lies in spring. If we plan well at the beginning of the year and work hard, by the end of the year, we can reap a great harvest,” said Pedro.
Pedro noted the growing economic potential of Mindanao. He said Mindanao is the second largest island in the Philippines, and the 14th largest island in the world, with a population of over 25 million people.
Known as the “food basket” of the Philippines, Mindanao is rich in natural resources and plays a crucial role in the country’s agricultural exports. Eight out of the Philippines’ top ten agricultural exports come from Mindanao, underscoring its importance to the national economy.
Pedro commended the rapid development of cities like Davao, Zamboanga and Cagayan de Oro, which have transformed into dynamic hubs for business and trade, creating vast opportunities in the region.
He encouraged the Filipino-Chinese community to explore the opportunities and to continue supporting the growth of the local economy.
In his closing remarks, Pedro urged the association and the entire Filipino-Chinese community to take advantage of the upcoming 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China.
He encouraged strengthening people-to-people ties through cultural and diplomatic exchanges, reinforcing the spirit of cooperation between the two nations.
