‘Learn from Ilonggo-Chinese example’

ILOILO City – In the wake of growing Sinophobia among Filipinos largely wrought by geopolitical tensions in the West Philippine Sea, Rep. Julienne “Jam-jam” Baronda called on Filipinos to learn from the relationship forged between the Ilonggos and the Chinese who started migrating to Iloilo by peddling porcelain and silk during the pre-Hispanic era, and how it has become today.

“We know some Filipinos dislike the Chinese nowadays. They are displeased with China because of the West Philippine Sea issue. But I guess it would help if they look into the experience we, Ilonggos, have with the Chinese people and how our relationship has been fostered through centuries,” said Baronda yesterday as the Ilonggo-Chinese community celebrated Chinese New Year.

A member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Baronda told Panay News, “There are bad Chinese but there are many good ones just as there are many good Filipinos and there are bad ones.”

The first congresswoman of Iloilo City said the local Chinese New Year celebration is proof that Ilonggos of Chinese ancestry are a driving force in the Ilonggo community as they have helped push the local economy to where it is today, and they want to help bring forth a vibrant, peaceful and prosperous city.

The theme of the celebration, “Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges Towards a United Iloilo Community”, is apt, said Baronda, “because the prevailing sentiments on the national and even global sphere against China are not that positive. This is a good way to present the other side, the good side of the Chinese people.”

“It is helpful for us to know people – their culture, their worldview – before we judge them. So the organizers must be congratulated not only for the celebration but also for the theme which is socially relevant,” she added.

Mayor Jerry Treñas, in his speech, told the audience that Ilonggos are one no matter the ancestry is. He urged them to unite and work together “kay kon maga-uswag ang ciudad, tanan kita maga-uswag man.”

“Let us make sure that as Iloilo develops and moves ahead, no one is left behind,” he told the crowd after recalling how they started the Chinese New Year celebration in 2003.

Baronda, meanwhile, shared with the audience that she met with Bureau of Customs commissioner Rey Guerrero on Tuesday and brought up the complaint of local businessmen against higher taxes on imports when goods are brought straight here from abroad than when these pass through the Manila port.

She was told, she narrated, that this is because the import should be in bulk. She told them that under her leadership in tandem with Treñas, they will help businessmen against “red tape”.

In the interview with Panay News, Baronda said Iloilo City is lucky because there are Chinese schools nurturing Ilonggo-Chinese leaders for decades now. There are Ilonggo-Chinese organizations and associations, too, which have been doing charity work, like donating school-buildings, at their own volition all this time benefitting thousands of Ilonggos.

Baronda further underscored that some of the things Iloilo City is known for have Chinese influence like the La Paz batchoy and pancit Molo, which are incidentally loved by her fellow legislators.

She asked the Ilonggos with Chinese blood to participate in the affairs of the city, in helping the Ilonggos particularly the poor, and in cultivating the economy of Iloilo City reach its fullest potential.

“We have peacefully co-existed for centuries and it is time that we break any barrier left and unite stronger and bring forth a greater, leveled up City of Iloilo – a city where there is no Chinese, there is no Ilonggo, but only Ilonggos with Chinese genes! The ‘friendship arc’ on Iznart Street is a reminder of the vibrant, happy and meaningful relationship between the Chinese and the Ilonggos. Let it be further nurtured for everyone to benefit from,” she added. 

“If there is anything they need, like a piece of legislation, or programs and projects that I can help facilitate, I am always ready to help and assist our Ilonggo Chinese friends,” Baronda added.

Teresita Ang See, the guest of honor yesterday, said the Chinese New Year celebration symbolized “the friendship, brotherhood of Chinoys and fellow Filipinos.”

She cited the Iloilo celebration as “the most elaborate, most organized and most successful Chinese celebration I have ever attended. I have attended Manila but hands off, panalo ang Iloilo in its Chinese New Year celebration.”/PN