Chinese VIPs visit Mountain Province

By Francis Degay

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- Consul Tian Qixiang and Vice Consul Li Qingyao from the People’s Republic of China consulate office for Northern Luzon based in Laoag City recently visited this province to foster relations.

Cixiang told Gov. Leonard Mayaen here it is mandatory for consuls and staff of Chinese consulate offices nationwide to visit the provincial chief executives after they assume office under their jurisdictions.

As a gesture of friendship and commitment Qixiang conveyed to Mayaen a replica of a camel that signifies perseverance, commitment and long-life of officials and employees of the provincial government of Mountain Province.

He assured Mayaen a strong and continuing partnership between the government of China and Mountain Province.

Mayaen, on the other hand, thanked the visitors and assured their safety while in Mountain Province.

Meanwhile, the provincial tourism officer accompanied them to the Bontoc museum where they were amazed of the presence of some China wares fabricated during the Ming and Sung dynasties.

According to Qingyao, the Sung dynasty ruled China about 600 to 700 years ago.

He also suspected that long time ago some Chinese businessmen had found their way to trade China wares with the natives of the Cordillera.

In Sagada, the Chinese VIPs and a certain Pablo Pascual, a Chinese businessman based in Laoag City, braved the Sumaguing cave but retreated due to slippery steps caused by bat dung.

According to them, the critical pathway in the cave could be diverted and paved for elders leaving the usual route for adventurers and nature lovers.