Press Release
May 25, 2011

SPANISH LANGUAGE REVIVAL BEGINS WITH
TEACHER TRAINING--ANGARA

Senator Edgardo J. Angara said the important first step towards restoring the study of the Spanish language in the Basic Education curriculum is by re-training our teachers in the language.

Angara today keynoted the graduation ceremonies of 95 high school teachers who underwent a summer program for Spanish language teaching. The project is a collaboration of the Department of Education, the Spanish Embassy through Instituto Cervantes and the Spanish agency for international cooperation, the Agencia Española de Cooperacion Internacional para el Desarollo (AECID).

It may be recalled that the Spanish language is now being offered in high schools. Angara was instrumental in pushing for the re-inclusion of Spanish in the secondary education curriculum.

"It all starts with creating a pool of teachers that can teach Spanish to our schoolchildren. Our teachers' graduation from this language program is a significant milestone in further cementing the historical and cultural bonds that unite Spain and the Philippines," he said.

Angara recalled the gradual disintegration of Philippine-Spanish ties as a result of the American Occupation after World War II, where within a few generations, we lost our knowledge of the Spanish language and of Spain's rich literary heritage.

"Fortunately, though, today's generations of Spaniards and Filipinos are rebuilding their friendship on sturdy foundations. We see a wonderful reawakening of our affinity with Spain--and in the culture, history and blood relationships that Spain shares with our country," said the veteran legislator.

As part of his initiative to revitalize the cultural link between the two countries, Angara had authored the law declaring June 30 as the Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day. First celebrated in 2003, this holiday has gained a strong following, commemorated with different events and projects throughout the country.

This year's celebrations will be held in the senator's hometown of Baler, with events revolving around and reliving the glory of the Galleon Trades in the 16th Century.

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