Ambassador Huang Xilian awards winners of drawing contest
MANILA – Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian met with the winners of the “Hand in Hand: Drawing of the Sino-Philippines Relations in your Heart” today. The month-long contest was held in celebration of the 45th Anniversary of the China-Philippines’ of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
In a statement released today, the Chinese Embassy said many participants from across the country joined the contest.
The Ambassador exchanged pleasantries with the winners, both in person and online. The winners talked about the stories behind their art works. The contest theme was: Friendship, Unity and Future.
Ambassador Huang said the art works bear “great significance during a time of pandemic.”
He told the winners their works of art will be introduced to the Chinese people as he expressed hopes the winners will continue to tell more stories om the friendship of China and the Philippines.
In his remarks, Ambassador Huang said the awarding ceremony is an important part of the 45th Anniversary of the establishment of Philippines and China’s diplomatic relations. He added the event was a great depiction of what was agreed during the exchange of congratulatory messages between President Duterte and President Xi which took note of the people to people and cultural exchange between the two countries.
He compared the relations between the two countries as that of siblings, “siblings who may have natural differences but continue to love and standby the other.” He added the Philippines stood by China when it was distraught by the pandemic and donations from the Philippines showed solidarity and good will to the Chinese people. China reciprocates this sentiment by supporting and assisting the Philippines in overcoming the pandemic.
Ambassador Huang expressed optimism Philippines – China relations will continue cooperating “as they did in the past, present and future.” He added succeeding generations will reap from the relations established 45 years ago.
Meanwhile, one of the winners said his inspiration came from the long history of immigration and trade between the two countries. He added his work shows the long history of cooperation between the two countries.
The winners thanked the Chinese government and community for the support they extended during the pandemic.
The winners received prizes from Ambassador Huang Xilian along with a certificate of recognition and had their framed work acknowledged and signed by the Chinese ambassador himself. (Melo M. Acuña)
Winners pose with Chines Ambassador Huang Xilian at the awarding rites today. (Contributed photos)