CHINATOWNS across the Philippines were upbeat in their preparation for the Chinese Spring Festival that marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year.This year, Chinese New Year, or the Year of the Wood Snake, begins on Jan. 29.The Chinese Spring Festival was recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (Unesco) as part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.'This recognition not only honors Chinese cultural heritage but also underscores the shared roots and interconnected destinies of Asian nations,' said Guanghan Liang in a forum organized by the Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute (ACPSSI) on Thursday.Liang is an associate professor at Sun Yat-Sen University's School of Communication and Design and the Chinese director of the Confucius Institute at Ateneo de Manila University.Joaquin Sy, former secretary general of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, called the recognition 'a testament to the enduring legacy of traditions that bind communities and celebrate shared human values.'Sy, also the president of Kaisa Para sa Kaunlaran, said the festival's universal themes of familial love, unity, and prosperity transcend cultural and geographical boundaries.ACPSSI President Herman Tiu Laurel said the festival has a crucial role in preserving Asia's diverse cultural heritage.'Asian culture, with its emphasis on harmony and peace, offers valuable lessons to a world in search of unity. The Unesco recognition of the Spring Festival is a milestone that invites us to celebrate our shared heritage and work toward a culture of peace and prosperity,' he added.
