MANILA, Philippines—In celebration of the Chinese New Year, Feb. 19 has been declared a national holiday in the country, according to the Official Gazette, the government’s official publication.
“Those of Chinese descent have been an integral part of Philippine history, first as traders and, later, as citizens and game changers, active participants in the country’s ongoing journey,” said President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday in a statement released for the occasion.
The President said the Philippines joins in the celebration of the Lunar New Year, “as it enriches your unique heritage, sustains the diversity of our nation, and stands as an embodiment of the harmony that mutual respect and goodwill can achieve.”
Aquino said in Proclamation No. 831 that the joint celebration of the Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, was “a manifestation of our solidarity with our Chinese-Filipino brethren who have been part of our lives in many respects as a country and as a people.”
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