Xiamen donates fire trucks, thermal cameras to Cebu

CEBU, Philippines —  The Xiamen City of the People’s Republic of China has donated two fire trucks, two thermal imaging cameras, and 50 sets of equipment and personal garments to the Cebu City government in celebration of the 35th anniversary of its sisterhood agreement.

Mayor Edgardo Labella expressed his gratitude to the Xiamen City government for the lasting cordial and happy relationship as sister cities.

The fire trucks, which will be in the custody of Cebu Filipino- Chinese Volunteers Fire Brigade, Inc., would be helpful since the city is a calamity-prone, the mayor said.

“Be assured that these two fire trucks will be in good hands. We will take care of these as long as it lasts,” said Labella.

Acting Consul General Wu Xiao Min of the Chinese Council in Cebu said the trucks will contribute to the development of the city.

Wu added that the two trucks are “not only a gift by the Xiamen government and the Chinese people but also a token of goodwill from the Chinese people towards the Philippine people.”

“Thanks to the longstanding efforts as well as the support of both governments, our relationship has been flourishing all the time,” said Wu.

Labella also shared how the city delegation was overwhelmed during their trip to Xiamen City last month when they saw a street named after Cebu City.

Returning the honor, Cebu City also named a street near the North Reclamation Area after Xiamen City.

“The friendship between China and Philippines, the sister city relationship between Cebu and Xiamen depends on the efforts of each one of us,” said Wu.

Xiamen, a port city on China’s southeast coast, formed a sisterhood with the Queen City of the South in 1984 to promote cultural and commercial ties.  FPL (FREEMAN)