On February 22, 2022, The Philippine Silk Road International Chamber of Commerce (PSRICC) and the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines jointly held an online forum themed "A Memorable Winter Olympic". The participants reviewed the Beijing Winter Olympic Games and shared their personal experiences during the Games. Speaking highly of the grand event, all participants looked forward to a brighter future of China-Philippines cooperation.
The forum started with a welcoming speech from PSRICC Francis Chairman Chua, who is also Vice Chairman of the Silk Road Chamber of International Commerce (SRCIC). Huang Xilian, Ambassador of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, delivered a keynote speech. The forum also welcomed speeches from Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Philippine Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Philippine Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat, Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago Sta. Romana, SRCIC Chairman Lu Jianzhong, and Valeriano Floro, Chief of Mission of the Philippine Winter Olympics Delegation and Deputy Secretary General of the Philippine Olympic Committee. More than 200 Chinese and Philippine guests from political, business and media circles attended the forum online.
Ambassador Huang Xilian said that after 14 years the Olympic flame was lit again in Beijing, making it the first city in the world to hold both Summer and Winter Olympic Games. Committed to a green, inclusive, open and clean approach, Beijing made every effort to overcome the COVID-19 impact and honored its commitment by delivering a simple, safe and splendid Olympic Games to the whole world, fully demonstrating the Olympic motto of "Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together".
Ambassador Huang stressed that "Together for a Shared Future" is the common voice of the international community. Only by carrying forward and drawing strength from the Olympic spirit of tenacity, unity and friendship, understanding and tolerance, transcending politics and differences, can all countries meet the common challenges . "Together for a Shared Future" is also the common aspiration of both the Chinese and Philippine people. We hope that with the spirit of strength and courage of the Year of the Tiger, the two countries can continue our friendship solidified during the Winter Olympics and extend and carry forward the Olympic spirit. By working "Together for a Shared Future", we can maintain the development momentum of the partnership between the two countries in the new era, and make more fruitful achievements out of our friendship that lasts a millennium.
Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin said the Olympic Games is "a unique opportunity for countries to bring together athletes from all over the world in friendly competition." He deemed the Games a glorious moment for the host country and its people to show the world its splendid history, and also “a symbol of hope” to the whole world in this third year of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Locsin extended his salute to all the athletes that participated and his thanks to China and the Beijing 2022 organizing committee. “I am particularly proud of Miller (Alpine skier Asa Miller), who represented the Philippines,” he added.
Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics is now tagged as the most-watched Winter Olympics ever. "We salute China for their successful hosting, overcoming many obstacles from the pandemic, and for promoting winter sports among tropical countries like us," Lopez said. He also pointed out that the Games "is a fitting celebration of sportsmanship, kinship, and solidarity as we collectively recover from the pandemic and open a new chapter in the new normality."
The Philippine Minister of Tourism Bernadette Romulo Puyat said that the true Olympic spirit of promoting understanding, unity and friendship among countries was further amplified in the motto of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games - "Together for a Shared Future". It is this spirit and a sense of belonging to the international community that unite all countries.
Chairman Lu Jianzhong said that the world is undergoing dramatic changes in the new century. The far-reaching impact of COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenges to global economic recovery. He said, “But I am confident that the solidarity, cooperation and hope demonstrated by the Beijing Winter Olympics, as well as the passion, joy and friendship brought by winter sports, will give us greater confidence and strong momentum to defeat pandemic and promote global economic recovery. SRCIC is willing to join hands with business communities of all countries. Upholding the Olympic motto of "Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together" , we strive to build a platform for dialogue to advance international economic cooperation, mutual learning and exchanges among civilizations and peoples. We hope to make our contribution to high-quality construction of Belt and Road Initiative and to building a community with a shared future for mankind.”
Chairman Francis Chua stated that the Beijing Winter Olympics was one of the major international sporting events held during the COVID-19 pandemic. He extended his congratulations to Beijing, China on becoming the first city in the world to host both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, and on the remarkable contribution made China and the Chinese people. He also recalled on the outbreak of COVID-19, which China provided the Philippines with vaccine assistance, medical equipment and medical teams, expressing that Sino-Philippine relationship will enjoy an even brighter future.
Romana, Philippine ambassador to China, congratulated China for delivering a simple, safe and wonderful Winter Olympics to the world as promised. “The Philippines is very proud to be one of the few tropical countries to participate in the event. It is hoped that this forum will become a new starting point for Sino-Philippine friendship dialogue, and that cultural exchanges will continue through sports and other forms.” he said.
Mr. Valeriano Floro, Chairman of the Philippine delegation, said that he felt the strict and strong anti-epidemic measures throughout the Beijing Winter Olympics as soon as he stepped off the plane that fully ensured the safety of all participants. The opening ceremony was amazing, the training facilities were well-maintained, the Olympic Village was well administrated, and the Chinese volunteers were warm and friendly. “This is truly an unforgettable experience for us”, he emphasized. On behalf of the Philippine Olympic Committee, he also congratulated China on its successful hosting of the Winter Olympic Games and thanked the host country and its people for their hospitality.
The forum was broadcast live on several platforms, including CHINOY TV, and featured promotional videos and highlights of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games.
Source: Official website of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines,
Philippine Silk Road International Chamber of Commerce (PSRICC)
