Jones Bridge Lighting Ceremony in Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Philippines-China Diplomatic Relations

The celebration last June 7, 2025 was part of a historic milestone – the 50th Anniversary of the Official Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the People's Republic of China.

- By Nilo Odiaman

The brain behind the project Central to this celebration was the ceremonial lighting of the iconic Jones Bridge. It was made possible at no cost to the government, through the generosity and civic commitment of prominent Filipino Chinese business leaders and civic organizations.

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), through its own fundraising initiative, exemplifies how private sector partnership can bring tangible value to public heritage and national pride. The Federation was able to raise enough funds to light up the iconic Jones Bridge – a symbolic gateway to Manila's Chinatown – and officially open the first phase of the urban revitalization project.

Notable contributors included the Diamond Sponsors – the FFCCCII, Filipino Tsino Magkaibigan Foundation and the Double Dragon Group, as well as Platinum Sponsors Converge ICT Solutions, Filinvest Group, LT Group, Megaworld Group, Metrobank Group, SM Group of Companies SteelAsia, among others. Their collaboration brought to life a vision that not only beautifies a historic landmark, but also renews national consciousness of our shared cultural heritage.