Tribute to the Tsinoy

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Managing Editor ANTONIETA B. LOPEZ Business Editor ODETTE MONTELIBANO Desk Editor MARY ANN BARCELONA Advertising Coordinator RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete

ANDRES R. LEONARDIA Managing Director

When the confederation of Negros Chinese organizations stages this week the maiden celebration of "BacoLadioat", as a highlight of their celebration of the Chinese New Year, they elevate to the plane of public consciousness the significant role ethnic Chinese and Filipino-Chinese, now popularly known as the Tsinoy, have played in the development of Bacolod City and Negros Occidental.

We cannot overemphasize the fact that Negrenses of Chinese origin have contributed immensely to making the wheels of commerce move faster with their presence not only in the cities but also in towns and barangays in remote communities. Except in a few communities, Negros localities have been anchored in their economic activities through Fil-Sino businesses.

The Tsinoys have also been very active in education - with three schools in Bacolod City - providing quality education for the Negrense youth as they also assist in the growth of the public school system by donating school buildings and educational material, particularly in rural areas, where there is a dire need for educational infrastructure. In social-civic services, they have been in the forefront of assistance programs, including emergency missions, providing or reinforcing much-needed hardware and manpower support in calamities and similar situations.

And as reported yesterday, they are strengthening their civic programs nationwide with the implementation of a tourism-based program, dubbed as "5-5-5-5-5" designed to bring five million tourists that would generate $5 billion within five years. This initiative will be undertaken by the Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry with business tycoon Lucio Tan, who will be declared as adopted son of Bacolod City in the BacoLaodiat Festival, at the forefront of the campaign.

With these undertakings of the Tsinoys, we are optimistic that the Negrense economy, education, social services, civics and other aspects of our community life will be strengthened in keeping with this week's theme of bridging further the ties that bind Filipinos and the Tsinoys. This week's festival deserves the support and participation of all Negrenses.*