MARCOS LEADS RESTORATION OF WORLD’S OLDEST CHINATOWN

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. took another significant step on Saturday in reviving the historic Binondo district, reaffirming its cultural and historical significance to Filipino-Chinese heritage.

President Marcos and First Lady Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos led the ceremonial lighting of the iconic Jones Bridge in Manila on Saturday night, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China.

“This is what the Chinatown Revitalization Project is all about. It is about restoring Binondo and reaffirming its cultural and historical place and significance to our shared heritage,” President Marcos said during the lighting ceremony.

“We will transform Binondo into a place that we can always return to. From the old Manileños to the first-time visitors, lahat welcome dito,” the President added.

Starting June 7, the public can enjoy a weekly lights and sounds show at the iconic Jones Bridge—part of the First Couple’s “Pasig: Bigyang Buhay Muli (BBM)” campaign, which aims to breathe new life into the Pasig River and transform it into a vibrant hub for tourism and commerce.

Organizers said that, through a fundraising initiative, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) exemplified how private sector partnership can bring tangible value to public heritage and national pride.

Major contributors include diamond sponsors the FFCCCII, Filipino-Tsino Magkaibigan Foundation & the Double Dragon Group, as well as platinum sponsors Converge ICT Solutions, Filinvest Group, LT Group, Megaworld Group, Metrobank Group, SM Group of Companies, and SteelAsia, among others.

“It is part of our bigger push to bring life back into our historic districts. As we speak, we are implementing projects to revitalize the Pasig River, including the Pasig River Urban Development Project so our people can breathe and move more easily,” the President said.

The Chief Executive urged the public, especially the youth, to visit Binondo to experience the thriving culture and economic activities in the district.

“Because how can we know our history and culture if we do not know and experience them ourselves? So, I encourage everyone, especially the younger people, to visit Binondo. Come back to Ongpin, Escolta, Carvajal, and the streets that have yet to be discovered and celebrated,” the President said.