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Alexis Romero - The Philippine Star
February 16, 2026 | 12:00am
People flock to Binondo, Manila's Chinatown, for weekend shopping and dining on February 15, 2026 as the Chinese New Year approaches.
Edd Gumban / The Philippine STAR
MANILA, Philippines — Ahead of the Lunar New Year celebration, President Marcos urged Filipinos to visit Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, which is undergoing improvements aimed at promoting economic activity and public appreciation for history and culture.
“Visit Binondo with your family and friends. Walk its streets. Taste its flavors. Feel its history,” Marcos said in a Facebook post yesterday. “In Binondo, you experience a living story of culture, community and possibility.”
In a separate Facebook post, Marcos expressed hope that the efforts to reinvigorate Chinatown would spur livelihood opportunities and bring Filipinos closer to history.
As part of the Chinatown Revitalization and Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli projects, the government aims to strengthen a district that has long been a home of Filipino-Chinese families, businesses and traditions.
“With the return of Binondo’s vigor, we aim to boost livelihood, bring the people closer to our history and make the community livelier for the next generation. Long live the Filipino-Chinese community,” Marcos said.
He ended the online post by greeting the community a “happy new year.”
On Friday, Marcos led the launching of the second phase of the Chinatown Revitalization project in Binondo, a district founded by the Spaniards in 1594.
During the event, Marcos said Binondo is special because of its “long story of commerce, faith and culture between Filipinos and the Chinese community.”
The second phase of the project involved the further development of Ongpin street into a lively cultural and economic center.
It also aims to improve the historical landmarks along Ongpin and Escolta streets through lighting and thematic displays.
The project’s first phase covered the restoration and illumination of Jones Bridge.
Marcos said the revitalization efforts would complement the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli program, which seeks to reinvigorate public spaces, improve pedestrian access, modernize river transport and clear waterways.
The project is designed to restore the Pasig River and its surrounding communities by reclaiming public spaces in Plaza Mexico and expanding pedestrian corridors toward the Arroceros Forest Park.
First Lady Liza Marcos thanked the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Filipino-Chinese community for making the Chinatown Revitalization project possible.
She said the project made Binondo brighter, safer and more welcoming.
“The world’s oldest Chinatown is very much alive and made even better for the people who live, work and visit here every day,” the First Lady said in a Facebook post.
“Improved streets and lighting along Ongpin and Escolta mean more visitors, stronger support for small businesses and more opportunities for local families. It’s also a space where the next generation can walk with pride and reconnect with our shared history,” she added.
