Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day – Jun. 9, 2026

Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day
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FriendshipInternational
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Philippines
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Every June 9
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Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day is celebrated every June 9, commemorating the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China. This day honors the deep historical, cultural, and economic ties that bind the two nations. Take time to learn about shared traditions, participate in cultural exchange, and strengthen bonds.

Want to sponsor Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day? Learn how

Expected Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day Deals

Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day is less about commercial deals and more about fostering cultural exchange and community appreciation. Organizations like the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) and the Philippine-Chinese Charitable Association, Inc. (PCCAI) often host forums, cultural performances, and goodwill events. Local businesses, particularly those with Filipino-Chinese heritage, may offer special menus, cultural workshops, or partner with community groups for outreach. Look for educational initiatives and diplomatic gatherings aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. We will update this page with confirmed community events and cultural programs as June 9 approaches.

Platform Guide for Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #FilipinoChineseFriendshipDay. Share insights on bilateral trade or cultural business practices.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #FilipinoChineseFriendshipDay. Post photos from community events or shared cultural traditions.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #FilipinoChineseFriendshipDay. Share news updates or historical facts about the diplomatic relationship.

Social Media Tips for Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day

Individuals

Attend a local cultural event, try a new Filipino-Chinese dish, or learn a phrase in Mandarin or Filipino to connect with others.

Creators

Produce content highlighting the fusion of Filipino and Chinese cultures, such as a cooking tutorial for a hybrid dish or a documentary on shared heritage.

Brands

Host a cultural appreciation event, sponsor a community dialogue, or showcase products that reflect the blend of Filipino and Chinese influences.

Partners & Brands for Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day

  1. Philippine-Chinese Charitable Association, Inc. (PCCAI)

    Founded in 1877, the PCCAI is one of the oldest charitable organizations in the Philippines, established by Chinese immigrants. It operates the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center, providing healthcare and social services to the Filipino-Chinese community and beyond.

  2. Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII)

    Established in 1954, the FFCCCII is the largest organization of Filipino-Chinese businesses in the Philippines. It promotes trade, investment, and cultural exchange, playing a significant role in economic development and bilateral relations between the Philippines and China.

  3. SM Investments Corporation

    Founded by Henry Sy Sr., a Chinese-Filipino entrepreneur, SM Investments Corporation is one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines. It has extensive interests in retail, banking, and property, deeply integrating Filipino-Chinese business acumen into the national economy.

  4. Jollibee Foods Corporation

    Founded in 1978 by Tony Tan Caktiong, a Chinese-Filipino, Jollibee is the largest fast-food chain in the Philippines and a global brand. Its success showcases the entrepreneurial spirit of the Filipino-Chinese community and its impact on Filipino culture.

  5. Ayala Corporation

    One of the oldest and largest conglomerates in the Philippines, with roots tracing back to 1834. While not exclusively Filipino-Chinese, its long history and diverse business ventures have intertwined with the growth and contributions of the Chinese community in the Philippines.

  6. Philippine National Bank (PNB)

    Established in 1916, PNB is one of the largest commercial banks in the Philippines. It has historically served a broad clientele, including a significant portion of the Filipino-Chinese business community, facilitating trade and investment between the two nations.

  7. China Bank

    Founded in 1920 by a group of Chinese-Filipino businessmen, China Bank was established to serve the banking needs of the growing Chinese-Filipino community. It remains a prominent financial institution with strong ties to both Filipino and Chinese business sectors.

Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day Hero

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo served as the 14th President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010. On January 18, 2002, she signed Proclamation No. 148, officially declaring June 9 as Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day. Her action formalized the recognition of the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations, solidifying a day for celebration and mutual understanding.

History of Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day

The Philippines started considering having better relations with China at the start of the 1970s as they believed it would benefit both countries immensely. A few years later, on June 9, 1975, diplomatic relations were established between the two nations through the signing of the Joint Communique by both countries’ leaders. For over 47 years, Filipino-Chinese relations have been gradually built. They have attained smooth development and remarkable achievements in all areas of bilateral cooperation.

Over the years, several major bilateral agreements have been signed between China and the Philippines. The Joint Trade Agreement was signed after diplomatic relations were established between both nations. The Joint Trade Agreement was established in 1975 and still exists today. In 1978, the Postal Agreement and the Scientific and Technological Cooperation Agreement were signed to ensure the delivery of goods and technological advancements.

In 1979, the Air Services Agreement and Cultural Agreement were signed to further strengthen the relationship between China and the Philippines. Then in 1992, the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement was signed.

A few years later, in 1999, the Visiting Forces Agreement, Agreement on Agricultural Cooperation, and Tax Agreement were all signed by both nations to the delight of both governments. On the eve of the 25th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China, in May 2000, both countries signed a Joint Statement. This defined the framework of bilateral relations in the 21st century.

Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day timeline

1975
Diplomatic Relations Develop

Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China are established.

1975
The Joint Trade Agreement

The Joint Trade Agreement between both nations is established.

1978
The Postal Agreement

The Postal agreement between both nations is signed.

1999
Visiting Forces Agreement

The Visiting Forces Agreement is signed.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day

Local businesses, especially those with Filipino-Chinese ownership, can honor Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day by hosting cultural showcases or offering special promotions on traditional goods. Restaurants might feature fusion menus or highlight dishes with both Filipino and Chinese origins. Businesses can also partner with community organizations to sponsor educational events or art exhibits that celebrate the shared heritage, fostering goodwill and cross-cultural appreciation within the community.

Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day FAQs

When is Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day?

Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day 2026 falls on Tuesday, June 9. It’s a day to reflect on the enduring diplomatic and cultural bonds between the Philippines and China.

How many Filipino-Chinese people live in the Philippines?

While exact figures vary, estimates suggest that approximately 1.5 to 2 million Filipinos have full Chinese ancestry, with a much larger number having partial Chinese heritage. This significant population forms a vibrant bridge between the two cultures.

What is the history behind Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day?

Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day commemorates June 9, 1975, the date when the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China formally established diplomatic relations. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo later declared it an official observance in 2002.

What is the significance of June 9 for Filipino-Chinese relations?

June 9 is significant as it marks the official establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China. This date is a symbol of formal recognition and ongoing efforts to foster peace and cooperation between the two countries.

Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day Activities

  1. Learn more about the day

    Learn more about Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day. This helps people to better appreciate what the day is about.

  2. Spread awareness

    Spread awareness of the day by word of mouth or a social media post. Not only will you be raising awareness, but you’ll be spreading positivity.

  3. Pay a visit to the Philippines or China

    Visit the Philippines or China to celebrate the day. The traditions and sights are such a wonder that you’ll be eager to visit again.

5 Popular Chinese-Filipinos

  1. Carlene Ang Aguilar-Ocampo

    Carlene Ang Aguilar-Ocampo is a Filipino-Chinese actress and ex-beauty queen who was crowned Miss Philippines Earth in 2001.

  2. Andrew Lim Tan

    Andrew Lim Tan is a Chinese-Filipino billionaire with businesses in real estate, liquor, and fast food.

  3. Alfonso A. Uy

    Alfonso A. Uy holds numerous businesses in Iloilo and is the first president of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry.

  4. Tan Yu

    Tan Yu was a Chinese-Filipino philanthropist and businessman who founded the Asiaworld Internationale Group and the K.T.T.I. Foundation. The foundation was a charity organization that provided scholarships to and supported the education of young students.

  5. Bam Aquino

    Bam Aquino is a Filipino politician and social entrepreneur who served as a senator of the Philippines from 2013 to 2019.

Why We Love Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day

  1. It strengthens the bond between the two countries

    Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day strengthens the bond between Filipinos and the Chinese. As it brings them closer, it can only be a positive for not just these nations, but other countries around them.

  2. It encourages unity

    Seeing as two nations can celebrate a friendship day, it encourages unity among other countries too. It could result in the world peace we all desire.

  3. It can boost both countries’ tourism industry

    More people knowing about the day can entice people to visit both countries. It helps to boost their tourism and, in turn, their economies.

Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 June 9 Tuesday
2027 June 9 Wednesday
2028 June 9 Friday
2029 June 9 Saturday
2030 June 9 Sunday