Identities comes from history
ANGARA PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE SHARED BONDS AND ENDURING FRIENSHIP BETWEEN RP AND SPAIN

Senator Edgardo J. Angara who authored a Senate Bill which set the celebration of Philippine-Spanish Friendship day every 30th of June as a way of paying tribute to the shared bonds and enduring friendship between our country and Spain celebrated the 7th Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day, with guests of honor Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Spanish Ambassador Jose Luis Arias gracing the ceremonies in my hometown Baler, Aurora.

"National identities rooted in history explain why Spain and the Philippines maintain a special relationship. Independence did not erase the ties that had developed between our two countries. Our common culture, religion and centuries-long history make it natural for a special affinity to exist, irrespective of changing political circumstances or separate development paths," said Angara

In 1898, fifty Spanish soldiers and four priests were besieged in the stone church. This was to be the last garrison of the Spanish empire not only in the Philippines but in all the rest of their overseas colonies. It was unknown to them that while they were there, the war had already ended and Philippine independence had been declared. Despite efforts to tell them so, the soldiers, for call of duty, refused to surrender and remained in their post for 11 long and weary months.

Angara added, "the Siege of Baler was a very inspiring and dramatic story of our history, its one of the most significant stories of the Philippine war of independence against Spain."

June 30 is an important day for both the Philippines and Spain because it celebrates the best traits of both races - the valor and loyalty of the Spanish, and the nobility of character, chivalry and generosity of spirit of the Filipino.

"We see a reawakening of Philippine-Spanish relations, with key initiatives in the area of legislation, culture, education, language, sports, and labor and migration. We hope to see continued dynamism, cooperation and genuine action from both countries towards deeper relations," ended Angara.