BALER, AURORA – The National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, in partnership with the Municipal Government of Baler, Aurora; the Department of Education (DepEd) – Office of Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara, and the National Museum of the Philippines; led the commemoration of the 23rd Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day and the 127th Anniversary of the Siege of Baler on 7-8 July 2025 in Baler, Aurora.
Various activities from 2-8 July 2025 celebrated the more than three hundred years of shared history and culture between the Filipino and Spanish nations with special contests and events across Central Luzon. The NHCP and DepEd conducted programs for the students of Aurora Province including special #TapatSaWatawat Activities at the Baler Central School and Baler National High School on 6 July. A wreath-laying activity was also conducted at the historical marker at Dikolyungan, Baler, Aurora, which commemorated the founding of the Baler chapter of the Katipunan. A cultural night full of performances from Aurora and Central Luzon showcased the vibrancy of Filipino-Spanish culture for visitors during the evening of 7 July at the Baler Plaza.
The celebration culminated with the wreath-laying program at the San Luis Obispo Parish Church, Baler, Aurora led by NHCP Chair Regalado Trota Jose, Jr. and Spanish Ambassador Miguel Utray. Also in attendance were Baler Mayor Rhett Ronan Angara, Aurora Governor Reynante Tolentino, and Aurora Representative Rommel Rico Angara. After the program, the National Museum of the Philippines, led by Director-General Jeremy R. Barns, held a preview and special exhibition at the newly opened National Museum of the Philippines – Baler.
The NHCP is the national government agency mandated to promote Philippine history through its museums, research, and publications, and to preserve historical heritage through conservation and the marking of historic sites and structures.
Credits to Ms. Abegail Purisima and to Ms. Geraldine G. Gentozala, History Researcher II of NHCP
