The popular idea is that Spanish sovereignty over the Philippines ceased on December 10, 1898, by virtue of the Treaty of Paris signed on this date where Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States.
Senate Bill No. 2131 seeks to correct this date. It proposes to legalize June 30, 1899, as the official day that marked the end of Spanish sovereignty in the Philippines. On this day, the last Spanish garrison ceased resistance to the Filipino forces in Baler, Aurora province, ending their epic 337 days of upholding Spanish sovereignty in the country. Only 33 of the 50 Spanish officers and men survived.
News of the Spanish surrender elicited awe and admiration on the part of Filipinos. President Emilio F. Aguinaldo issued a decree citing the Spanish troops' uncommon valor and heroism in upholding Spanish honor and dignity.
Senate Bill No. 2131 seeks to perpetuate the memory of such epic stories of heroism and valor. Above all, it highlights the idea that by observing June 30 as Philippines-Spain Friendship Day the centuries of shared history and culture of the two countries shall be enshrined forever in our country's annals.
Spain has contributed so much to Philippine history and culture, from liberalism to liberty, literature to language, culture to cuisine, to customs and traditions, songs and dances. Spain has enriched Philippine society such that Filipinos hark back to their Hispanic heritage with pride and consider it as one pivotal chapter in our country's past that has shaped our present and future as a people.
Mabuhay and Muchas Gracias. Filipinas y España son amigos por siempre.