RP-Spain Friendship Day marks 
strong ties with former colonizer

PRESIDENT Arroyo led the celebration of Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day on Monday, marking a strong and friendly relationship with its former colonizer. 

In her speech at Quezon Park in Baler, Aurora, the President acknowledged Spain for supporting the country’s interests before the European Community. 

“Spain is not only our historical ‘Madre Patria,’ but contemporarily our friend and partner in our constant march toward progress, development, peace and prosperity,” Mrs. Arroyo said. 

The President also praised Madrid for providing technical expertise and financial assistance to local museums, archives and libraries, as well as scholarships for Filipinos to study in Spanish universities. 

“Spain is our principal link with our Hispanic brothers in Latin-American countries, especially Mexico,” the President added. 

The Philippines takes pride in remembering the decree of President Emilio Aguinaldo on June 30, 1899, when he proclaimed as friends instead of prisoners of war the Spanish soldiers who garrisoned themselves in the Baler Church for almost a year. 

“The historic proclamation demonstrated to the whole world the magnanimity of the Filipino heart and the brotherly appreciation he had for the bravery and heroism shown by a Hispanic brother, in defense of a universal code of honor,” the President said in her speech. 

In 1898, 50 Spanish soldiers took refuge in the parish church in Baler, Tayabas, and fought against the troops of General Aguinaldo. 

The Spaniards held out for a year, fighting Filipino troops through the church windows. 

A year later, on June 2, 1899, only one officer and 30 enlisted men came out alive. 

Aguinaldo commended the Spanish soldiers for their loyalty and gallantry and accorded them full military honors. 

“In that historic event, the Philippines extended to its Iberian brother and patriot a firm handshake of friendship, understanding, assistance, cooperation and goodwill without doubts or reservation,” President Arroyo said. 

The President was welcomed at the historic Baler Church by Cabinet members, senators and local executives of Baler, Aurora. 

Also present were delegates from Spain, including relatives of the Spanish soldiers. 

The 7th Infantry Division band played the national anthems of both countries shortly before the President and Rafael Dominguez-Ponga, secretary-general of the Agencia Española Cooperacion International, laid wreaths at a cross in front of the church.
-- Ma. Theresa Torres