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The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) has expressed profound gratitude to iconic singer-songwriter and esteemed entrepreneur Jose Mari L. Chan for his steadfast support of the federation’s socio-civic initiatives.

At a thanksgiving event with select members of the media, FFCCCII President Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro highlighted the role of hard work in driving progress for the nation and shared his candid insights on the Filipino spirit and its potential.

“Let’s put it this way. Ang Pinoy, for me, is the best people in the world. But we should bring this kind of uniqueness into helping the country. Naiiwanan tayo e! Pasensya ka na, ha? Naiiwanan tayo ng kapitbahay natin… Siguro, lahat ng Pilipino, tumulong. Lahat ng Pilipino, magising sa importance ng working hard. We are very relaxed e. Happy tayo e. Okay na, magkantahan tayo, magsayawan—magaling tayo diyan e… Basta work hard. But the Filipino outside of the Philippines, they work so hard…”

(Let’s put it this way. Filipinos, for me, are the best people in the world. But we should use this uniqueness to help the country. We’re being left behind! Sorry, but it’s true—we’re being overtaken by our neighbors… If only every Filipino helped out. If every Filipino woke up to the importance of working hard. We are very relaxed. We are happy. We think it’s okay to just sing and dance—we’re good at that… But we need to work hard. Filipinos outside the Philippines work so hard.)

Dr. Pedro went on to praise Jose Mari Chan’s invaluable contributions, highlighting how his dedication to philanthropy and active support of the FFCCCII’s programs serve as an inspiring example of how one’s hard work can positively impact society. He emphasized the federation’s widespread influence through its network of 170 Filipino Chinese chambers and industry organizations nationwide, spanning from Aparri to Tawi-Tawi.

The FFCCCII remains instrumental in promoting economic advocacy and spearheading programs such as disaster relief, free medical missions, educational support for rural public schools, and assistance to Filipino Chinese volunteer fire brigades that serve communities regardless of ethnicity or socio-economic status.

Following six major typhoons, the FFCCCII, through its Filipino at Tsino Magkaibigan Foundation, swiftly distributed emergency food relief to affected areas, including the Bicol region, flood-stricken parts of Metro Manila, and several provinces.

Both Jose Mari Chan and Dr. Cecilio Pedro reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Filipino Chinese business sector to aid disaster-affected Filipinos and uplift underprivileged communities across the country.