Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) president Dr. Cecilio Pedro reflected on the organization’s achievements in 2024 and extended his warm greetings to the Filipino-Chinese community and the Filipino people.
Pedro highlighted several key initiatives and events that marked a successful year for FFCCCII.
At the start of 2024, it collaborated with the Manila Overseas Chinese Assistance Center and assisted Filipino-Chinese seniors (60 years and older) with their Aliens Annual Report and visa extensions, and helped minors and elderly renew or extend their Chinese passports.
In February, the organization teamed up with the Manila City Hall to celebrate the Chinese New Year and the 430th anniversary of Manila’s Chinatown with a series of ceremonies.
From March 8 to 10, FFCCCII marked its 70th anniversary with a grand event at SMX Convention Center, attended by key figures including First Lady Liza Marcos, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual and China Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian.
On May 30, the Philippine Red Cross honored FFCCCII with the 2024 Humanitarian Award for its contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In June, FFCCCII organized a gala at the Philippine International Convention Center to celebrate Philippine-China Friendship Day.
The organization also hosted the “Ten Thousand Friendship Walk” on July 10, in collaboration with the Filipino Tsino Magkaibigan Foundation, to mark the 126th anniversary of Philippine independence.
FFCCCII further engaged in international events by sending delegations to the Hong Kong Chinese Business Summit in July, the World Chinese Business Forum in Kuala Lumpur in September and a visit to Beijing and Fujian, China in October.
FFCCCII also continued its advocacy for education and social welfare, including donations to rural schools and organizing the annual “Respect Teachers and Respect Disciples” awarding ceremony in partnership with the Association of Filipino Chinese Schools.
Pedro also shared that his term as FFCCCII president would end by April 2025, and expressed his gratitude for the trust and support he has received throughout his tenure.
He concluded his message with New Year wishes, saying, “Our God is with us, Emmanuel!”
