Angara seeks revival of Galleon Trade

By Jason de Asis

 

BALER, Aurora – Sen. Edgardo Angara has sought the revival of successful exchange between the Philippines, Spain and other Hispanic countries similar to the Galleon Trade.

 

Angara, who recently received the 2010 Premio Casa Asia award from a 10-man jury members from the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affair’s cultural branch in Madrid for his exceptional efforts to encourage understanding and strengthen relations between Spain and the Philippines through various programs and projects, said as natural partners, Spain and the Philippines should revive Galleon Trade.

 

“We should resurrect our long and fruitful ties created during the 16th century.  Back then, this association brought trade, investment, agriculture and the enrichment of our culture and language. In modern times, more dynamic trade between Spain and the Philippines would mean a great deal of shared knowledge in a wide range of categories: from historical preservation to research and technology,” he stressed.

 

Angara authored Republic Act No. 1987, proclaiming June 30th as the official Philippine-Spain Friendship Day, further demonstrating his dedication to this cause.

 

He said foreign relations between the Philippines and Spain has been reawakened since the first celebration of the first Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day in 2003. “Eight years later, we have achieved huge strides in the area of legislation, culture, education, language, and sports through this interaction,” said Angara, who, with the help of the Spanish and Mexican Embassies, also spearheaded the recent celebration of the Dia del Galeon that which commemorated the historic and cultural ties forged during glory days of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade.

 

According to Angara, the shared history between the two countries formed a strong bond and a willingness to work together despite major differences.

 

“Our common culture, religion and centuries-long history make it natural for a special affinity to exist, irrespective of changing political circumstances or separate development paths. This is why my recent stay n Spain brought about more efforts to facilitate this exchange of ideas” he said. (Jason de Asis)