NAGA CITY, June 29 (PIA)—In a message sent to the Nueva Caceres Heritage Movement, Inc. (NCHMI), President Rodrigo Roa Duterte expressed his commendation to the group for “holding gatherings that inspire patriotism and solidarity among our people.”
The message springs out from the 2-day event dubbed AMISTAD: Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day Celebration which NCHMI will host starting June 30 until July 1.
The celebration is also pursuant to Republic Act (RA) 9187 promulgated in 2003, declaring June 30 of every year as Philippine-Spanish Friendship day, highlighting among others, the preservation of the protection of our heritage sites and culture.
D.C. Nathan Sergio, NCHMI Project Officer believes that the colourful historic past of the Spaniards and the Filipinos should not be put to oblivion as this also speaks of the rich culture that we still continue to nurture up to this time.
In consonance to that, the president in his message, ensures the people that the government highly appreciates the event’s contribution to the society.
“With more than three centuries of shared history between Spain and the Philippines, Spanish influence has been deeply embedded in our traditions and way of life. The cultural treasures of Naga not only add to the colorful narrative of our common heritage, but also plays a significant role in our religious, political and social landscape,” Duterte stressed in his message.
The highlights of the 2-day event include the opening of “History on Canvass,” the Historical Art exhibit and lecture on the Spanish Period by world renowned historian Dr. Danilo Gerona on Saturday, June 30 and The Homenaje Awards and Feria de Cultura on July 1, Sunday.
Dr. Gerona is also the author of the “Ferdinand Magellan: Armada de Maluco and the European Discovery of the Philippines.” (LSMacatangay-PIAV/Camarines Sur)