BAGUIO CITY (PIA) - - The City Government and the Baguio Filipino - Chinese Community officially  launched  the Spring Festival 2023  in celebration of the Lunar Chinese New Year  during the  flag raising ceremony at the City Hall Grounds on  Monday (January 16).

“The Spring Festival aims to promote better understanding and cooperation between the Filipino and Chinese communities in order to strengthen our historical friendship and unity,” said Baguio Spring Festival 2023 Executive Committee Chairperson Peter Ng.

In welcoming the Year of the Water Rabbit, Ng bared the activities for the Baguio Spring Festival.

The Baguio Filipino – Chinese Community will hold its annual gift sharing at the Apugan- Loakan covered court on January 20 for identified beneficiaries from barangays Atok Trail, Apugan- Loakan and Purok Magsaysay Loakan Proper.

At 9:00 pm of January 21 will be a Chinese New Year Evening Mass at the Bell Church.

The Session Road for its Sunday showcases will be transformed into Little Chinatown on January 22 and 29, for the people of Baguio and visitors to enjoy Chinese culture and cuisines.

The Baguio Spring Festival 2023 will be highlighted by the Chinese New Year Grand Colorful Parade around the city’s main thoroughfare at 2pm   of January 27.

In behalf of the Filipino – Chinese community, Ng expressed gratitude to the city officials for their continuing support and for making the event as one of Baguio’s annual major community activities.

 The Spring Festival was institutionalized as an annual Baguio event in 1998.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Congressman Mark Go, represented by his wife Soledad Go, in their respective messages expressed gratitude to the Baguio Fil – Chinese community for being a strong and committed development partner.

 Magalong also acknowledged the Filipino – Chinese community for being always there to lend a helping hand and listening heart, and for being an active partner to make Baguio better.

He also calls for a continuing partnership in pushing forward Baguio’s economic recovery and towards achieving a smart, safe, sustainable and green city. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)