Chinese school kids say thanks to Arroyo

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-01-17 11:08

MANILA: A hundred schoolchildren from Sichuan quake zones met with the Philippines' President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo here on Friday to thank her for their weeklong rehabilitation visit to the country.

Students from the Qiang ethnic group present Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo with a handmade goodwill bag in Manila Friday, January 16, 2009. The bag is traditionally believed to bring good fortune and happiness to the recipient. A hundred schoolchildren from Sichuan quake zones met with the Philippine president to thank her for their weeklong rehabilitation visit to the country. [Xinhua]

At the Presidential Palace Malacanang, the children, dressed in school uniforms and ethnic costumes, sang the traditional Chinese song Grateful Heart to a smiling Arroyo.

Students from the Qiang ethnic group also presented her with a homemade goodwill bag (see photo), which is traditionally believed to bring good fortune and happiness to the recipient.

"During the trip, we felt the warmth of Filipino people everywhere. I am so grateful that now I pray for everlasting happiness for President Arroyo and all Filipinos," Fan Caiwen, a high school student from Beichuan, Sichuan province, said.

The 100 children, aged 11 to 16, arrived in the country on Sunday. Over the week, they visited schools, museums and met with local students in Manila.

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