President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos led the ceremonial lighting of the iconic Jones Bridge in Manila on Saturday evening, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China.

“So tonight, we proudly light up the iconic Jones Bridge in all its renewed glory and breathe new life into it,” President Marcos said in his speech.

“I am also glad to share that tonight’s event has a deeper meaning. This project commemorates 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China. Half a century of friendship and shared history, all reflected here in the world’s oldest Chinatown,” added the President.

Described as Manila’s “queen of bridges,” Jones Bridge crosses the Pasig River to connect central Manila to the Binondo district.

The Philippines and China established diplomatic relations on June 9, 1975.

The lighting ceremony ushers in the weekly lights and sounds show at Jones Bridge starting June 7, part of the Pasig River urban revitalization efforts under the First Couple’s Pasig: Bigyang Buhay Muli (BBM) project.

In his speech, President Marcos stated that reviving the golden years of Binondo is part of a larger plan to restore historic districts and promote Filipino cultural heritage.

“In times like these, when everything can feel loud and fast and confusing, I believe what we need is right here. A place as simple as a bridge or a street that tells us to pause and to reflect on who we are and what we share as a nation,” said President Marcos.

The President and First Lady were also joined by their children, House Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro,” Joseph Simon, and William Vincent and other government officials.

The lighting ceremony was also attended by members of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), civic organizations, donors from the Filipino-Chinese community, and Chinese Embassy officials led by Ambassador Huang Xilian. | PND