“ANG wish ko at ipinagdarasal na lagi kayong maging ligtas at malusog…. ‘yun ang pinaka-precious commodity nowadays. Health is wealth. Kung Hei Fat Choi!”
This was the message relayed by Mayor Isko Moreno to members of the Chinese-Filipino community, as he led the traditional lion eye-dotting ceremony and the banging of the gong as a way of signalling the start of the Chinese New Year celebration, despite the lack of the traditional outdoor activities owing to the pandemic.
“We did not cancel the celebration. It will push through but in a different manner… that can be done without putting the people in harm’s way. Tuloy ang selebrasyon, medyo iba nga lang,” Moreno said, noting that they held the ceremony in a mall without the presence of the shopping public and with only a few representatives from various Chinoy organizations, particularly the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Incorporated (FFCCCII) officials led by external affairs committee chair Nelson Guevarra, among others.
The mayor said he is proud of the Tsinoys for all their contributions to the progress not only of Manila but the entire country as well.
He enjoined the Chinese-Filipinos to continue working hand-in-hand with the national and local government, specially noting the help they have been giving to aid in the fight against the pandemic.
“We’re proud of you, our brother and sister Tsinoys. Although you may have Chinese blood running in your veins, I believe that in your hearts and in your minds, you all are Filipinos and you are Manilenos,” the mayor said.
He also encouraged the Chinese-Filipino businessmen to continue doing business in Manila, saying he and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna can ensure that no harm will come to them.
Moreno likewise said he and Lacuna are doing everything to be prudent with city funds, making sure that not a single cent will go to waste, saying it is the only way that they can repay the support they have been getting from the public, specially Manilans.
He said the only thing he asks of them, in fact all Manilans, is for them to have respect for others by keeping themselves safe and following health protocols like constantly wearing face masks and face shields, washing hands often and maintaining a safe distance from one another.
