23rd Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day celebrates shared history and culture

Under the theme “Lasting Friendship,” a series of events were held to celebrate the 23rd Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day, led by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the Embassy of Spain, in partnership with the municipal government of Baler, Aurora, the Department of Education (DepEd), and the National Museum of the Philippines.

- By CARLA MORTEL BARICAUA

Special events and contests commemorated the more than three hundred years of shared history and culture between the Filipino and Spanish nations from July 2 to 8. Under the direction of the NHCP and DepEd, programs were held for students in Aurora province, including the #TapatsaWatawat activities.

NHCP Executive Director Carminda Arevalo headed the wreath-laying activity at the Dikolyungan historical marker to honor the founding of the Baler chapter of the Katipunan on July 7. This was followed by the “Aritamtam ng Digma” cultural night, showcasing the Filipino-Spanish culture through song and dance numbers by Ascot Sindayaw Performing Arts Guild, Tanghalang Galaw ng CLSU, CLSU Maestro Singers, and Komedya de Baler at the Baler Plaza.