COTABATO CITY WELCOMED YEAR OF THE WATER DRAGON

The city government of Cotabato, together with the Chinese community and other local residents, gathered for the celebration of the Chinese New Year last January 23 at the City Plaza. 

Chinese ornaments and other decor filled the downtown area as Cotabateños welcomed the year of the Water Dragon.

Elements of the local police and the Philippine Director PS/Supt. Danny Reyes said his men were already securing the area a night before the program to ensure the safety of the visitors despite the several security threats our city has received in the past weeks.

"The local police got the situation under control. This is an important occasion for the city that is why we have implemented full security around the area and also in some vulnerable parts of the city. Ayaw natin na may sasabotahe sa masayang pagdiriwang natin ng Chinese New Year", Reyes said.

Moreover, City Councilor Abdullah Andang stressed in his speech the significance of celebrating the different holidays in the city such as the Chinese New Year. He said it only proves that the people of Cotabato City, despite the diversity of beliefs and religions, are united.

Andang even relived how the Chinese community in Cotabato City grew over the years and how they have played a very important role in the city's economic progress.

"Magmula pa noong maliliit pa kami, andito na ang ating mga Chinese communities. Sila ang nagsimula ng mga business dito sa city kung saan nabigyan naman ng trabaho ang mga taga-Cotabato. At kahit na ano pa ang mga pananakot na kanilang natatanggap, pinili pa rin nilang manatili sa ating lungsod and for that we are truly grateful", Andang states.

Representatives from the Chinese community include Metro Cotabato Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce President Yu Beng Chua and Cotabato City Grocers' Association President Oscar Tan-Abing.

Mr. Yu Beng Chua expressed his thanks to the city government for recognizing and celebrating one of the most important holidays of the Chinese communities. He has also conveyed their full support to the programs and activities of the local government.

The city government started celebrating the Chinese New Year last year showcasing the talents of the young Cotabateños. But this year, the presentations were more Chinese as the students from the Cotabato City Institute entertained the guests with Chinese songs and dances.

"Syempre gusto rin natin na mapanuod ng mga residente ng Cotabato City ang makulay na kultura ng ating mga Chinese brothers and sisters. Inaalay naman natin sa kanila ang selebrasyong ito kaya it is an honor for all of us na kasama natin sila at nakikita natin ang kanilang iba'y ibang sayaw at awit", City Administrator Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi said.

After the program, the guests were given flying lanterns. This symbolizes starting anew for the year of the Water Dragon and letting go of all the negative things and burdens of the previous year.

The skies were also lighted up by the fireworks display that lasted for about 15 minutes.

City Administrator Atty. Guiani-Sayadi promised that the celebration of the Chinese New Year next year would be grander and will be held on the newly renovated City Plaza. The Chinese businessmen also said they would try to hire people for a Dragon Dance. SOURCE:www.cotabatocity.net.ph