MANILA, Philippines — Former National Security Adviser and political scientist Clarita Carlos led the recipients of the 2026 Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding (APPCU), which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to strengthening friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding between the Philippines and China.
The awards were presented during ceremonies held at The Manila Hotel, led by Association for Philippines-China Understanding (APCU) Chairman and President Raul Lambino, APCU Vice Chairman Sixto Benedicto, and Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan.
Joining Carlos as this year’s awardees were businessman Peter Leung Ng and Chinese agronomist Prof. Zhang Zhaodong, whose respective contributions have helped foster stronger people-to-people ties and practical cooperation between the two nations.
In his remarks, Lambino said the awardees exemplify the values of dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding at a significant period in Philippines-China relations.
“The three laureates are at the frontier of a new decade in Philippines-China ties. They are a timeless testament to APCU’s commitment to maintaining, through trials and triumphs, our two peoples’ shared pursuit of peace, friendship, cooperation, and shared prosperity,” Lambino said.
He noted that exchanges between the Philippines and China continue to thrive in the academic, cultural, and economic spheres through partnerships among local governments, educational institutions, and business organizations.
“Judging from the frequency of recent exchanges, the enthusiasm displayed by our sister local government units, and the quality of engagement between our peoples, I can say with certainty that we are in a good place in our people-to-people relationship,” he added.
Carlos was recognized for her distinguished work as a political scientist, educator, and national security expert, particularly her advocacy of diplomacy, dialogue, and strategic engagement in addressing issues affecting Philippines-China relations. Lambino described her as an “unflappable advocate of diplomacy” in dealing with challenges in the South China Sea.
Ng, a long-time resident of Baguio City, was honored for decades of promoting friendship and cultural harmony between Filipinos and Chinese through civic, cultural, and business initiatives. APCU cited his longstanding efforts in fostering interracial and intercultural understanding within the community.
Meanwhile, Zhang became the first non-Filipino recipient of the APPCU award. APCU recognized his more than two decades of work in introducing and localizing Chinese hybrid rice technology in the Philippines, contributing to higher agricultural productivity, increased farmer incomes, and improved food security.
Ambassador Jing highlighted Zhang’s achievements as a model of practical cooperation between the two countries. According to him, Filipino farmers adopting hybrid rice technology have gained an additional P40,000 to P60,000 per hectare annually, while rice yields have significantly increased.
Jing also underscored the vast opportunities for continued Philippines-China cooperation in agriculture, tourism, clean energy, and other areas that bring tangible benefits to both peoples.
“No matter how the world has changed, our two peoples have always stood by each other and stayed close at heart,” the ambassador said.
The APPCU, launched in 2021 by APCU, honors Filipinos and foreign nationals whose work has helped build bridges of understanding and friendship between the Philippines and China through public service, business, academe, media, culture, and civil society initiatives. The annual award continues to recognize individuals who advance dialogue, cooperation, and lasting people-to-people relations between the two nations.
Distinguished guests, diplomats, community leaders, and awardees gathered during the event to celebrate efforts aimed at strengthening Philippines-China ties and promoting greater mutual understanding between the two peoples.
The occasion also featured the introduction and induction of new officers and members of the Association for Philippines-China Understanding Inc. (APCU), reaffirming the organization’s commitment to fostering friendship, cultural exchange, and cooperation between the Philippines and China. (Nelson Santos)
