(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte thanked Filipino-Chinese businessmen for supporting the administration’s fight against illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption, and for helping in socio-civic projects of the government.
In his speech during the opening of the 32nd Biennial Convention of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) on Thursday, the President called on the Filipino-Chinese businessmen to continue their cooperation in building a more progressive Philippines.
“Let me take this opportunity to thank you for your support of this administration’s fight against the scourge of corruption, criminality and illegal drugs. Through your deeds, you have become our important partner in building the foundations of a more inclusive and sustainable society,” Duterte said.
“Through your deeds, you have become our important partner in building the foundations of a more inclusive and sustainable society,” he said.
President Duterte also cited the “meaningful ties of friendship” between Filpinos and Chinese, saying this had helped to empower many people, especially the “vulnerable and marginalized” sectors.
Addressing some 800 delegates representing the federation’s member chambers, trade and business associations around the country joined the event, Duterte praised their efforts to help the country’s economic growth.
“By devoting your resources to the improvement of our society, the Federation has consistently played a vital role in ushering a period of greater cooperation [and] understanding not only in the promotion of business and trade, but also in facing various challenges that we face as a nation,” he said.
“It is my hope that your remarkable traits and values will continue to fuel your pursuit of a dynamic and vibrant Chinese-Filipino business community that contributes to our nation’s overall advancement,” Duterte added.
The federation of Filipino Chinese businessmen is also credited for the construction of drug rehabilitation centers to help drug dependents. Once completed, the rehabilitation centers will be turned over to local government units.
This construction of drug rehabilitation centers was in response to the Duterte government’s fight to fight the illegal drug menace.
Established in March 1954, FFCCCII is considered the largest organization of Filipino-Chinese businessmen in the country with 170 member chambers, trade and business associations across the country.
Aside from business, the organization is involved in social development, launching projects in education, livelihood, and community rehabilitation for those affected by disasters.
“Together, let us work, building a stronger and more progressive Philippines,” the President told the members of the federation.
His remarks came in tne wake of the filing of a complaint by former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales before the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Chinese President Xi Jinping and his officials for China’s massive island-building activities in the South China Sea, and consequently the “destruction of the environment” there.