According to the Philippine "Shangbao" newspaper, the 5th Chinese Culture Summer Camp for middle school students from Philippine Chinese schools, co-hosted by the China Overseas Chinese Education Foundation, the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCII), and the Philippine Chinese Education Research Center, held its grand opening ceremony on the 26th at the Federation headquarters.
Consul Li Maoguang of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Philippines, Director Wang Mengli of the Cultural Department of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council, and representatives from the Chinese community were invited to attend the opening ceremony.
The opening ceremony began with the majestic national anthems of the Philippines and China. Zeng Tiefeng, President of the Federation, delivered the opening remarks, stating that the 5,000-year-old Chinese culture is a treasure of world civilization. The purpose of the Chinese Culture Summer Camp is to allow students born and raised in the Philippines to concentrate on learning the Chinese language and culture, thereby deepening their understanding of the excellent culture of their ancestral homeland. He noted that supporting Chinese education and inheriting Chinese culture is a key focus of the Federation's services. He also expressed gratitude to the Chinese Embassy, the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council, and the Chinese Education Foundation for their strong support of this summer camp, and expressed his hope that all campers would study hard and live up to everyone's expectations.
Li Maoguang delivered an enthusiastic speech at the ceremony, first expressing warm congratulations on the opening of the summer camp on behalf of the Chinese Embassy. He pointed out that China sending teachers overseas to support summer camp activities is an excellent way to promote cultural exchange between China and the Philippines. "The Chinese teachers have brought traditional Chinese culture and advanced teaching concepts; I believe this summer camp will surely be a journey of joy, learning, and friendship."
Director Wang Mengli of the Cultural Department of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council, who traveled specifically to attend the opening ceremony, introduced seven professors and experts from Shandong Province, the hometown of Confucius and Mencius. He pointed out that this model of hosting summer camps overseas is worth emulating by other regions, and the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office will provide support.
Subsequently, Huang Meizhen, a standing director of the Philippine Chinese Education Research Center, introduced the camp site. Chen Jincan, a standing director of the Center, reported on the status of the previous four summer camps and the preparations for this year's camp. Li Shuhui, Secretary-General of the Center, introduced the lecturers and counselors of the summer camp.
After the opening ceremony, all campers and teachers boarded three buses to head to the camp site, beginning the 20-day "Chinese Culture Summer Camp" activities.
