China-aided fertilizers handed over to the Philippines

A handover ceremony of China-aided fertilizers to the Philippines was held in Manila on June 16, 2023. President of the Philippines Bongbong Marcos and Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian attended and addressed the event.

On behalf of the Filipino people, Marcos expressed his appreciation to the Chinese government and people for their generous assistance, which reflects the sincere friendship between the two countries. On the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the arrival of the Chinese fertilizers is the best confirmation and reinforcement of the Philippines-China relations.

Marcos reviewed his latest visit to China at the beginning of this year, when important consensus was reached on agricultural cooperation between the two countries. China agreed to the Philippines' fertilizer assistance request without hesitation in a bid to help with his country’s agricultural production and ensure food security. He also mentioned that one day prior, China had offered rice aid to those affected by the Mayon volcanic eruptions, and said that the people of the Philippines could feel China's compassion and will strive to consolidate the foundation of mutual trust and benefit between the two countries. The Philippines highly values China's goodwill and will always be committed to strengthening long-term friendly relations as the two countries approach the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, he said.

Huang said that the prompt delivery of the fertilizer assistance is an action of implementing the consensus reached between the two heads of state and demonstrates the friendship between the Chinese and Filipino people. He noted that now is the peak season of rice planting in the Philippines, and that fertilizer is the scarcest supply of local farmers. He expressed his hope that this fertilizer assistance could help the country alleviate its fertilizer shortage, and yield increased food production and more income for farmers.

In the past week, various celebrations in both countries were held to mark the 48th anniversary of their diplomatic relations as well as the 22nd China-Philippines Friendship Day, and voices from the people of both countries for friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation have been heard, Huang said, adding that he believes that as long as both sides implement the key consensus reached between the two heads of state, strengthen communication, and properly manage differences, the China-Philippines relations will remain steady and embrace a brighter tomorrow.

At the ceremony, Marcos and Huang exchanged the government-to-government handover certificate of the fertilizer assistance project. Afterwards, Marcos invited Huang to visit the storage warehouse and transportation vehicles for the China-aided fertilizer. They jointly attended the onsite press conference, where Marcos expressed his confidence in their bilateral agricultural cooperation, which will achieve affordable food supply and stronger community governance in rural areas in the Philippines.