President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. thanked the Chinese government for donating 20,000 metric tons (MT) of urea fertilizer on Friday, June 16.

“On behalf of the Filipino people, let me extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Chinese government and its people for this donation — a solid gesture of friendship and goodwill that is in keeping with our long and historic history,” Marcos said in his speech during the ceremonial donation turn-over held at the National Food Authority (NFA) warehouse in Malanday, Valenzuela City.

The President cited that the donation symbolizes the strengthening ties between the Philippines and China which are now in their 48th year of diplomatic relations.

Marcos received a formal certificate of fertilizer donation.

Present during the turnover are Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian, Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr. Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie Gatchalian.

According to the agriculture department, at least 160,000 corn and rice farmers in Regions 1, 2, 3, 4A, and in Bicol are expected to benefit from the donation.

Prior to the donation of fertilizer, China turned over ₱4 million worth of food aid for the evacuees displaced by the Mayon Volcano in Albay province and for Typhoon Betty-hit victims in Cagayan province.

The President also extended his gratitude for the kind assistance.

“So these generous acts symbolize the value of the relationship between our two countries. We must continue to nurture. We must continue to care for that, through acts of mutual assistance and of constant and amicable dialogue,” he noted.