Baler, Aurora – The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and Instituto Cervantes, in partnership with the Embassy of Spain, the Municipal Government of Baler, and the Provincial Government of Aurora, successfully hosted the 24th Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day festivities.

The celebration, marking a significant chapter of international friendship and shared history, featured a series of cultural and diplomatic events culminating on June 30, 2026. The annual observance pays tribute to the historic Siege of Baler, a defining event that transformed a chapter of war into a lasting symbol of reconciliation between the Filipino and Spanish peoples.

Festivities kicked off with a vibrant Cultural Event on the evening of June 29, highlighting the rich Filipino-Spanish heritage. Local dancers captivated audiences with an interpretative dance that included the traditional tinikling, with alternating performances by a local band. The evening concluded with an exclusive Gala Dinner at Costa Pacifica. The gala was headlined by Spanish Ambassador Miguel Utray Delgado and attended by key dignitaries including Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Department of Education Secretary Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara, and Aurora Lone District Representative Rommel Rico T. Angara. Local officials, including Mayor Rhett Ronan T. Angara, Vice Governor Patrick Angara, and Vice Mayor Lian Angara, were also present to welcome the esteemed guests.

The following morning, June 30, delegates participated in a solemn procession at the San Luis Obispo Parish (Baler Church), the historic site where Spanish soldiers held their position for nearly a year during the Siege of Baler (1898-1899). This was followed by the highly anticipated official inauguration of the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) – Baler, located nearby in Sitio Cabituculan, Barangay Reserva.

The unveiling of the museum marker was attended by a distinguished roster of guests, including Spanish Ambassador Miguel Utray Delgado, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu-Laurel Jr., Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, and Vincent William Araneta Marcos, who delivered a message on behalf of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.. They were joined by NMP Director-General Jeremy Robert M. Barns and NMP Deputy Director-General for Museums Arvin Manuel Villalon, who emphasized the museum's role as a vital learning space for understanding Aurora's heritage.

The new NMP-Baler features three permanent galleries: the Cruce de Caminos Gallery, which traces the historical relationship between the Philippines and Spain; the Sierra, Tierra, Costa Gallery, highlighting Aurora's diverse ecosystems and indigenous knowledge; and a gallery celebrating the region's vibrant artistic heritage.
Following the inauguration, delegates proceeded to Costa Pacifica for a farewell luncheon, concluding a successful commemoration of the 24th Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day. The events underscored Baler's enduring place in Philippine history and highlighted the continuing collaboration among government agencies and the Embassy of Spain in preserving historical memory and promoting cultural tourism.

The National Museum of the Philippines – Baler is now open to the public daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with free admission.

About the Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day

Republic Act No. 9187 proclaimed June 30 as Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day to commemorate the gallantry of Spanish soldiers during the Siege of Baler and the decree by President Emilio Aguinaldo recognizing them as friends of the Filipino people, ensuring their safe passage back to Spain in 1899.