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Gloria Arroyo bats for harmonious relations between PHL, China


Former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has underscored the need to promote a harmonious relationship between the Philippines and China.

Arroyo made the statement in her speech after being elected as chair of the Association for Philippine-China Understanding (APCU).

"[O]ur country’s political environment is truly the time to work for the 'strong and healthy relations between the Philippines and China that promotes peace, harmony and prosperity among their peoples' that APCU’s vision declares,” she said.

The APCU, a recognized and accredited people-to-people organization in China, was co-founded by Arroyo in the early 1970s.

The organization played a vital role in the establishment of the Philippine diplomatic relations with China.

Arroyo said in her speech that she was honored to be elected as APCU chairman.

"For the record, I did not ask for this position. But I did not hesitate to accept it either, if that will help revive an association that I helped establish way before I entered public life and one that I played an active role in until the demands of public service took over my life,” she said.

Arroyo said that it was through APCU that she came to know personalities such as acclaimed painter Veronica Yuyitung, artist Jose Joya, writer Adrian Cristobal, Ambassador to Poland Patricia Ann Paez, retired Court of Appeals Justice Angelita Gacuta and Tony Barreiro, the father of media icon Bobby Barreiro.

The revival of the APCU, Arroyo said, was timely, given the need to promote harmony and peace between the Philippines and China.

“I am sure that under the able hands of our President, Dr. Gabby Lopez, and the help of every officer and member, our revitalized organization can soon start our programs for sectoral exchanges; lectures, cultural and business events  and other fora; and have the clout to influence private and public policies that will enhance cooperation and solidarity between our two countries,” she said. —Erwin Colcol/ALG, GMA News

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