Celebrating Champions of Philippines-China Understanding
The 5th Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding (APPCU) revealed this year’s 12 distinguished laureates who have significantly advanced the cause of Philippines-China understanding and strengthened bilateral relations. The annual ceremony, scheduled for June 3 at the Manila Hotel, honors individuals whose efforts have fostered cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Among this year’s recipients, former senator Anna Dominique “Nikki” Marquez-Lim Coseteng stands out as the sole Hall of Fame honoree. She has been praised as a “distinguished public servant, educator, and advocate for culture and sports,” according to sources close to the event organizers. Her recognition highlights decades of dedication to nurturing mutual respect and cooperation.
Recognizing Outstanding Contributions and New Awards
In addition to Coseteng, 11 other awardees will be recognized across three categories: Outstanding Contributions, Major Contributions, and the newly introduced Amity Award. The chairman of the Association of Philippines-China Understanding (APCU) emphasized that these awards celebrate the tangible impact of each recipient’s work in promoting better understanding between Filipinos and Chinese.
For Outstanding Contributions, Dominic Edgard A. Cabangon, chairman of ALC Group of Companies, and Maynard S. Ngu, Special Envoy to China for Trade, Investments, and Tourism, will be honored. The Major Contributions category includes Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte-Alimurung, Asahi Hi Quality Food President Ng Siu Seng, celebrated writer-translator Joaquin Sy, and Teodorico Nebres Dofiles, executive assistant for international affairs in Digos City.
Introducing the Amity Award Recipients
The Amity Award recognizes efforts that deepen cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Honorees include Marianne Lourdes M. Leonor, a Filipino-English teacher based in China; the late Police Staff Sergeant Nelson Garcia Santiago, who died while rescuing Chinese citizens; Police Chief Master Sergeant Eden Batangoy Accad, injured during the same rescue effort; Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, CHED Commissioner and former university president; and Justin Clarence Lao Tembreza, a TikTok creator promoting the Minnan dialect.
Non-Political Focus on Cultural Exchange
Despite recent diplomatic tensions between the Philippines and China, APCU officials reiterate that their mission remains strictly non-political. Their efforts center on cultural and people-to-people exchanges aimed at bridging divides. “We’re just focused on bridging the divide between the Filipino and Chinese peoples,” said a representative familiar with the group’s activities. The organization acknowledges the cooler relations in recent years compared to the warmer ties during previous administrations.
In a notable highlight, Senator Bong Go, the top vote-getter in the 2025 senatorial elections, will serve as the guest speaker at the awards night. This event also marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China.
Background of the APPCU
The Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding is a collaborative initiative between the APCU and the Chinese Embassy in Manila. Established in 2021 during the inauguration of the Manila Forum for China-Philippines relations, the award was jointly launched by former Philippine and Chinese leaders to encourage continued friendship and collaboration.
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