A milestone in cultural collaboration was celebrated last October 18 as Cebu City, in partnership with the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Cebu, unveiled the much-anticipated TESDA Flyover Mural Art Project.
The project symbolizes the enduring friendship and shared values between Cebu and China, with artwork that integrates the iconic flora and fauna of both regions.
The mural, located on the TESDA flyover, is the result of a collective effort involving the Cebu City Government, local artists, and several relevant organizations. The collaboration aimed to blend the rich cultural heritages of Cebu and China, using art as a medium to promote unity and community interaction.
Consul General Zhang Zhen, during the inauguration, emphasized the significance of this public art in fostering a deeper connection between the two cultures. “This mural emboldens the best wishes and blessings for Cebu and the Cebuanos. It is a monument of our enduring friendship. It is also a bridge of China-Cebu cultural integration and it is also a showcase for the diversity and harmony of Cebu City.”
“From the perspective of Chinese philosophy, harmony in diversity is a concept of moral value, which not only help to sustain the well-being of a society, but also benefit building a community with shared future for mankind.” she added.
Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia also highlighted the power of art in transcending cultural and geographical differences, noting how the project brings the two communities closer. “Despite our differences, aside from the distance between China and Cebu, aside from the difference in religion, culture, traditions, we somehow meet in unison and that is how we appreciate art, showing that we love our City of Cebu by beautifying it in such a manner that it incorporates all of our values and all of our culture as a people of both China and the Philippines.”
The TESDA Flyover Mural is not only a beautification project but a public art initiative that offers long-term benefits to the community. It encourages interaction between residents and the urban space, ultimately helping define the character of Cebu City.
Furthermore, it serves as a visual representation of the enduring friendship between China and Cebu, reinforcing the ties that have been nurtured over the years. This collaborative project also signals more cultural and community-driven initiatives in the future, as both Cebu City and the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China continue to work together to launch programs that contribute to the local society’s well-being and strengthen bilateral relations.