Janice Paglinawan
Philippines and Spain has shown that independence hasn’t hindered
the multi-faceted historical relationship between the two countries. Through
common culture, religion and interlinking events, it’s almost natural for
bilateral development agreements and understandings to foster.
Since Republic Act. No. 9187, s. July 22, 2002, was approved on
February 5, 2003 and the first Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day was
inaugurated in 2003, more of the friendship day observances were focused mainly
on ceremonial purposes. From wreath laying ceremonies to formal communication
and acknowledgment from both countries’ government. Furthermore, typical ways
of observing the friendship day was concentrated in Spain funding projects in
the Philippines in the area of legislation, culture, education, language and
sports.
Although Philippines benefited from these project activities, however
later on the activities grew bigger in event scope and audience through info
hoisting and cultural exchanges that involved the Philippine populace.
Based on Philippines have more to gain from this friendship
through cooperation in the areas of energy, tourism, heritage conservation and
the creative arts s well as through language and education according to Senator
Angara. With a more proficient Spanish language and culture-rich Philippines,
it would boast a more Hispanic tourism industry. In comparison to the
celebrations in Spain with the Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day, Philippines
possess more importance and significance to this occasion than their Spanish
counterparts.
I believe that the friendship days should contain more of
Philippines not commemorating the past colonial experiences, although its
significance is understandable, but should focus critically on what Philippines
should do with its “original identity” associated with its Spanish influence.
According to Ricardo Punzalan, “a new paradigm must be developed to guarantee
the preservation not only of the contemporary and colonial archives, but to
ensure the inclusion and representation of the indigenous traditions in framing
the national memory.”[1]
That new paradigm can co-exist with the friendship day observances through activities
that promotes cross-culturalism stated by Margaret Kumar as “the multicultural
and multilingual diversity has led to a constant ‘crossing’ of ideas, values
and linguistic terminology between cultural groups.”[2]
This is a vital foundation for Philippines to concur and define the “Philippine
identity”, not only with its history with Spain, but also with its other
colonial pasts with Japan and USA.
*You can read the complete "TYPICAL WAYS OF OBSERVING PHILIPPINE-SPANISH FRIENDSHIP DAY CONCERNED WITH INSIGHTS" document here:
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