In commemoration of the 6th Phil-Spanish Friendship Day
ANGARA HAILS 3 ADOPTED SONS OF BALER

Senator Edgardo J. Angara today acknowledges the significant contributions of three adopted sons of Baler who foster strong relations between the Philippines and Spain amidst geographic and linguistic differences.

"The historical significance and untiring efforts of these three adopted sons of Baler has contributed much in the strengthening of ties that bind the Philippines to our historical madre patria," said Angara, who also chairs the Philippine-Spanish Parliamentary Friendship Group.

He added, "By recognizing their efforts in this occasion, we will commemorate mutual friendship and affection between these nations. Also, it marks the cultural and historical ties between our country and its former colonizer.

The three adopted sons of Baler include: Exequiel Sabarillo Salvilla, a Filipinista in Spain who pioneered the research on the Siege of Baler in 1985; Jose Ignacio Bidon, a leading practitioner and professor of law in Sevilla who promoted football cooperation program between Andalusia and the Philippine Football Federation; and Jose Angel Valbuena Garcia, who sought to preserve history of the Siege by writing and directing the national TV documentary Los Hijos de Baler and the full-length film Returning to the Siege of Baler.

Gracing this event is President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who is set to lead the wreath laying ceremonies at the Baler Church in the morning to pay homage to the heroism of Filipino and Spanish soldiers.

The celebration will also be witnessed by His Excellency Amb. Luis Arias Romero from the Kingdom of Spain; Amb. Ovid Hrasich from the Republic of Chile; Amb. Jorge Rey Jimenez from the Republic of Cuba, Charges-de-affaires Manuel Perez Iturbe from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Charges-de-affaires Nikolaus Verghis from the Hellenic Republic; and Amb. Alistair Belle Macdonald from the European Commission.

Other attendees also include: National Historical Institute Chairman Ambeth Ocampo, National Museum Director Cora Alvina, Aurora Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo, Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara and Baler Mayor Arthur Angara.

The celebration will be highlighted by the proclamation of the adopted Sons of Baler, the unveiling of the mural at the Museo de Baler by national artist Abdulmari Imao, the viewing of the archeological exhibit and the re-enactment of the Siege of Baler. Several cultural activities and presentations are also lined up for the said event.

In 2003, Senator Angara authored Republic Act No. 9187, creating the Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day and setting its observance on June 30 of every year. It symbolizes the Filipino people's gratitude and appreciation for Spain's inestimable legacy of faith, culture and values to our nation, including the beginnings of the country's political solidarity as one people despite the geographic divisions and linguistic differences.

June 30 was the day in 1899 that President Emilio Aguinaldo signed a decree declaring as friends, not prisoners of war, the Spanish soldiers who surrendered to the Filipino soldiers after a long siege, of 337 days inside the Baler church. The same decree granted the Spanish soldiers safe passage to return to Spain.