𝐂𝐄𝐁𝐔 𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐎 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐅𝐔𝐉𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐈𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍
FUJIAN PROVINCE, CHINA — While the Cebu Provincial Government delegation’s mission to Fujian Province primarily focused on health, economic, and trade opportunities, cultural immersion played a significant role in strengthening the historical bonds between the Philippines and China.
A poignant highlight of the cultural itinerary was the visit to Rizal Park in Jinjiang City on February 6. The park features an 18.61-meter monument honoring Dr. José Rizal, the Philippines’ national hero, symbolizing the year of his birth, 1861, and stands as the tallest Rizal commemorative structure outside the Philippines.
Surrounded by blooming flowers and greenery, the grand structure draws streams of visitors annually who come to pay their respects to the Philippine national hero.
Historical accounts displayed at the park affirm Rizal’s Chinese lineage. His roots can be traced to the Ke family from Shangguo Village in Jinjiang County. Generations of his ancestors lived in the area before one descendant, Ke Nan, sailed to the Philippines during the Qing Dynasty to explore new opportunities — a journey that would eventually shape the lineage of one of the Philippines’ most revered figures.
Rizal himself was recognized as the 22nd generation descendant of the Ke family, a testament to the longstanding familial bridge between the two cultures.
Further enriching the visit, the Cebu delegation had the rare opportunity to meet a member of the Ke family representing the 30th generation, bringing history vividly into the present and reinforcing the living connection between Jinjiang and the Filipino people.
Beyond Rizal Park, the delegation’s itinerary reflected a deliberate effort to better understand Fujian’s cultural landscape.
On their first full day, delegates led by Gov. Pam Baricuatro explored the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys Historical Block in Fuzhou — a well-preserved architectural district offering insights into traditional Chinese life and heritage.
Visits to cultural parks, urban exhibition halls, and ancient districts throughout the trip provided a broader appreciation of how Fujian successfully balances modernization with the preservation of identity.
In Zhangzhou, the delegation toured the Longjiang Cultural Ecological Park and the Zhangzhou Urban Exhibition Hall, both showcasing the region’s historical evolution and forward-looking urban planning.
The cultural journey continued with a visit to Zhangzhou Ancient City, where centuries-old structures stand as reminders of the province’s rich past.
On February 6, engagements in Quanzhou City further deepened this experience, complementing the delegation’s economic and institutional visits with historical exploration.
Notably, while Governor Pam had to return to Cebu early to lead the province’s preparedness for the approaching typhoon, the delegation continued to carry forward her vision of building global partnerships anchored not only on investment but also on mutual understanding.
The Rizal Park visit ultimately served as a powerful reminder that diplomacy extends beyond boardrooms and conferences — thriving as well in shared stories, ancestry, and cultural respect.
Before concluding their tour, delegates also took note of an innovative self-service library within the park — a modern public learning space that reflects the community’s commitment to accessibility, education, and civic engagement.
The experience encapsulated the broader purpose of the Fujian mission: forging pathways for cooperation while honoring the historical ties that continue to unite the Filipino and Chinese people.
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