President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos led the lighting ceremony of Jones Bridge on June 7, 2025, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China.
The event, sponsored by the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), also signaled efforts to revive Binondo, known as the world’s oldest Chinatown.
President Marcos described the occasion as a symbol of the “long historic friendship” between Manila and Beijing.
“Half a century of friendship and shared history, all reflected here in the world’s oldest Chinatown,” he said.
He also recalled personal memories of Binondo and praised its cultural significance and traditional cuisine.
Marcos also highlighted the bridge’s enduring role in daily life for generations-from workers commuting to Escolta and students hurrying home, to taho vendors, jeepney drivers, and even lovers meeting there.
The Jones Bridge lighting is a key component of the larger Chinatown Revitalization Project, an initiative aimed at restoring and enhancing Binondo’s historical, cultural, and economic significance in the nation’s capital.
Malacañang Palace also released a statement, pointing out that the Jones Bridge lighting ceremony highlighted people-to-people exchanges.
“It witnessed the cultural heritage and deep-rooted connections shared by Filipino and Chinese communities.” it said.
Marcos urged Filipinos, especially younger generations, to explore Binondo again and support its revival plan, aiming to make Binondo a sightseeing place that people will keep visiting.
“If you don’t experience it personally, how can you really know your own history and culture?” he said.
