DILG Aurora Cluster Team Leader, LGOO VII Ariel Espinosa and LGOO II Jonnie L. Glorioso, joined the provincial welcoming party for the arrival of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Sec. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, HisExellency Jose Bono, Former Minister of Defense of Spain and Former President of the Congress of Deputies, Kingdom of Spain, Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara and family, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from the business sector, and officials from the country’s cultural agencies at Baler Airport, San Luis, Aurora last June 29, 2018.
The aforementioned guests attended the commemorative program for the 16th Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day Celebration on June 30, 2018 at Baler Municipal Plaza, with the theme: "Amistad Duradera: Honoring the Late Senator Edgardo J. Angara, "Father of Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day", which was keynoted by H.E. Bono and DOT Sec. Puyat. The said celebration also coincided the commemoration of the 119th Anniversary of the historic “Siege of Baler”, where Filipino and Spanish soldiers set aside their arms in battle and rather declared they will no longer treat each other as enemies in war, but comrades in peace and prosperity. This symbolizes “Amistad Duradera” which means enduring friendship that brought stronger ties for both countries.
DOT R3 Regional Director Carolina De Guzman Uy and staff, Acting Governor, Hon. Rommel T. Angara, BM Christian Noveras, BM May Anne G. Castro, Baler Mayor Nelianto C. Bihasa, VM Pedro M. Ong, Jr., SB Members, other local officials, Provincial and Municipal Tourism Office personnel, and senior high students were also present to welcome the guests.
The Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day is observed every June 30 by virtue of Republic Act (RA) No. 9187 signed on Feb. 5, 2003.
