The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) led over 5,000 participants in a pre-Independence Day civic walk. This event was called “FFCCCII’s Lakad Magkaibigan (Walk of Friendship)”. They were together with other Filipino-Chinese community associations, the Manila City government, and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). Held on 9 June, Sunday, the walk commenced at 6:00 am from the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge. It culminated at the Bonifacio and the Katipunan Revolution Monument fronting Padre Burgos Avenue. All of this happened in Manila City.
The event coincided with the annual “Filipino Chinese Friendship Day” on the 9th of June. This day commemorates the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China in 1975. The “Lakad Magkaibigan” pays homage to Filipino heroes, including Dr. Jose Rizal, General Jose Ignacio Paua, and World War II Filipino-Chinese guerrillas who fought for Philippine independence. Simultaneous walks were also held in Bacolod, Cebu, Tacloban, and Palawan.
FFCCCII President Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro emphasized the event’s significance: “Our walk today united participants from various sectors of the Filipino-Chinese community. This is a celebration of our Philippine Independence Day, fostering love for our country and patriotism among our citizens.”
The event was a prelude to the 126th Philippine Independence Day. It followed an earlier tradition of a business and civic leaders’ dinner reception on 7 June at the PICC. The reception also included the launch of the inaugural issue of the “Manila Galleon” business magazine. This magazine is envisioned to promote Philippine economic growth. It aims to foster international cooperation.
The FFCCCII, a leading organization of Filipino-Chinese chambers of commerce nationwide, champions Philippine economic development and social advocacy. The “Lakad Magkaibigan” symbolized the Filipino-Chinese community’s enduring support for the Philippines.
