More than 350 leaders and partners from the government, diplomatic community, business sector, and the Filipino-Chinese community gathered on the evening of February 24, 2026, at East Ocean Palace Restaurant for the Chinese New Year Thanksgiving Dinner jointly organized by the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association, Inc. (PCCAI), the Filipino Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (FCGCCI), and Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center (CGHMC). The packed venue reflected not only the festive spirit of the Lunar New Year, but also the strength of partnerships built through decades of shared service and collaboration.
The celebration opened with a vibrant Lion Dance performance, symbolizing renewal and good fortune for the Year of the Horse, followed by messages of gratitude, unity, and forward momentum from institutional leaders.
In his welcome remarks, PCCAI Chairman Mr. Antonio Tan described Chinese New Year as “a season of renewal, reflection, and shared hope,” emphasizing that progress is built through “unity, compassion, responsibility, and the willingness to help one another prosper.” He reminded guests that the Year of the Horse calls for courage, resilience, and purposeful action — values that continue to guide institutions committed to public service.
Representing the Filipino Chinese General Chamber of Commerce Inc., its President Mr. Alberto Tan Lee underscored the importance of harmony and cooperation across sectors. He highlighted the enduring contributions of the Filipino-Chinese community to national development through enterprise, philanthropy, and cultural exchange, noting that meaningful progress is achieved when dialogue, goodwill, and mutual respect remain at the forefront.
The evening’s most powerful moment came during the special presentation titled “A Year of Courage and Care: Celebrating CGHMC’s First Pediatric Liver Transplant Anniversary,” presented by CGHMC Medical Director Dr. Samuel Ang and CGHMC Assistant Chairman of the Department of Surgery, Head of the Operating Room Committee, and Director for Digital Transformation and Integration Dr. Sammy Cunanan. The segment commemorated a milestone that marked a historic first for CGHMC and a breakthrough for pediatric liver transplantation involving a Filipino patient.
In February 2025, a two-year-old boy diagnosed with biliary atresia successfully underwent a living-donor liver transplant at Renji Hospital in Shanghai, in partnership with CGHMC. The child’s father served as the donor, and a multidisciplinary medical team from CGHMC accompanied the entire process — not only to support the patient, but to undergo intensive training alongside their counterparts abroad.
The initiative was made possible through institutional collaboration, with CGHMC and its partners working together to sponsor the procedure and related medical care. Beyond the life-saving surgery itself, the partnership marked a significant step in skills transfer and capability building. Following formal cooperation agreements signed in 2024, CGHMC deployed multiple batches of doctors specializing in surgery, anesthesiology, pediatric critical care, and transplant medicine for advanced training.
One year later, as a video chronicled the child’s journey from critical illness to recovery, the audience responded with resounding applause as the young survivor, affectionately introduced as Baby Nieco, appeared on stage with his parents. The emotional moment symbolized more than personal healing — it represented hope, collaboration, and the expanding possibilities of Philippine healthcare.
In his message, CGHMC President and CEO Mr. Kelly Sia reflected on the deeper meaning of the milestone. “Our true success is not measured by buildings or equipment,” he said, “but by the lives we touch, the families we support, and the hope we restore.” He emphasized that while the transplant was performed abroad, the larger mission was to ensure that Filipino patients would one day receive the same life-saving procedures locally.
Today, CGHMC has strengthened its liver transplant program and is preparing to perform pediatric liver transplant surgeries in the Philippines, with continued technical guidance and collaboration from its international partners. By investing in training, technology, and multidisciplinary expertise, CGHMC aims to make advanced transplant services more accessible and more affordable for Filipino families.
The Thanksgiving Dinner also served as a reaffirmation of CGHMC’s broader vision — to grow into a thousand-bed medical center equipped with expanded capabilities while remaining firmly rooted in compassion and community responsibility. Through decades of service, the institution has stood as a bridge between cultures, guided by the belief that healthcare is not merely a service, but a commitment to humanity.
As music filled the hall and guests shared in the celebration, the evening reflected the spirit of the Year of the Horse — resilience, determination, and steady progress. It served as a reminder that when communities and institutions work together, meaningful and lasting impact can truly take shape.
