Mayor Isko Leads Chinese New Year Countdown in Binondo
•February 17, 2026
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Why It Matters
Accelerated tourism and investment flows can spur Manila’s economic recovery, while improved safety and regulatory support enhance the city’s attractiveness to entrepreneurs.
Key Takeaways
- •New China‑Cebu flights expected to increase tourism
- •Manila business registrations up 104% YoY
- •Crime rate fell 13% in last quarter
- •Mayor pledges protection for local and foreign investors
- •Filipino‑Chinese community central to city’s cultural identity
Pulse Analysis
Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, has become a symbolic stage for Manila’s outreach to the Chinese market. By hosting the Chinese New Year countdown, Mayor Isko Moreno not only celebrated a cultural tradition but also signaled the city’s intent to deepen tourism links with China. The presence of Ambassador Jing Quan underscored diplomatic goodwill, while the mayor’s remarks about upcoming China‑Cebu flights illustrate a strategic push to convert cultural affinity into measurable visitor growth.
The economic ripple effects are already evident. Manila reported a 104% increase in new business registrations for the first six weeks of 2026, reflecting heightened confidence among entrepreneurs. Coupled with a 13% decline in crime rates, the city presents a safer, more predictable environment for both local startups and foreign investors. Moreno’s pledge to protect investors and curb unfair practices aims to cement Manila’s reputation as a pro‑business hub, leveraging tourism‑driven demand to create jobs and expand the municipal tax base.
Beyond immediate fiscal gains, the mayor’s emphasis on shared Filipino‑Chinese heritage points to a longer‑term geopolitical strategy. Strengthening people‑to‑people ties can smooth trade negotiations and foster collaborative projects in infrastructure, education, and technology. As China continues to expand its regional influence, Manila’s proactive engagement—rooted in cultural celebration and concrete policy measures—positions the capital to capture a larger slice of the Asia‑Pacific economic surge while preserving its multicultural identity.
Mayor Isko leads Chinese New Year countdown in Binondo
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso led the countdown to the Chinese New Year in Binondo on Monday night, Feb. 16.Addressing residents and visitors gathered in the world’s oldest Chinatown, Domagoso welcomed Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan and other guests as the city ushered in the new year.He highlighted the growing exchanges between the two countries, particularly in tourism, saying improved connectivity could help generate more jobs and business opportunities.“Through the leadership of our new Ambassador in the country, there will be more flights coming from China to Cebu. More flights, more tourists, more jobs and business for the country,” the mayor said.Domagoso emphasized Manila’s close ties with the Filipino-Chinese community, noting that the capital is home to the country’s largest population of Filipino-Chinese residents.“And the biggest Chinese community, the Filipino-Chinese community, is located in the City of Manila,” he said.“Kaya naman, ikinalulugod ko na taon-taon ang Filipino-Chinese Chambers… nagsasama-sama, nagkakaisa upang makapaghandog ng isang magandang selebrasyon (Well, I am pleased that every year the Filipino-Chinese Chambers... come together, unite to offer a beautiful celebration),” he added.The mayor also urged young Manileños to understand the shared history of Filipinos and Chinese migrants beyond trade and business.“Hindi lang ho natin sila kasama para makipag-barter, makipagpalitan ng goods, at makipag-negosyo since time immemorial (We have not only been with them to barter, exchange goods, and do business since time immemorial),” Domagoso said.“There is a battalion group of Filipino-Chinese who fought against an occupier of this country.”Reaffirming Manila’s openness to investors, Domagoso assured local and foreign entrepreneurs of protection under his administration, while warning against unfair practices.“No harm will come to you as long as I'm Mayor. But in the same manner, I will not also allow abuse to one another. Just do business, strive, and there is a big market in this city,” he said.The mayor also reported economic gains, saying new business registrations in Manila from Jan. 1 to Feb. 13, 2026, grew by 104 percent compared to the same period last year.“We grew by 104% of new businesses registered in the City of Manila. Dumoble,” Domagoso said.On peace and order, he noted a decline in crime during the last quarter, stressing the government’s duty to keep communities safe.“Our crime rate at the end of last quarter dropped to negative 13%. The least thing that we can do as government is maging maaliwalas at panatag ang pamumuhay,” he said.“Ang sinumang dadako sa lungsod ng Maynila—anuman ang lahi—lagi natin iparamdam sa kanila ang mainit na pagtanggap,” he said, ending with a prayer: “Let there be peace in our home, in our family, in our community, in our city, in our country, and our neighboring countries (Anyone who comes to the city of Manila—regardless of race—we will always make them feel a warm welcome," he said, ending with a prayer: "Let there be peace in our home, in our family, in our community, in our city, in our country, and our neighboring countries),” he added.
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