ANGARA: NEW RIZAL BUST IN CADIZ SYMBOL
OF EVOLVING PHL-SPANISH RELATIONS

CADIZ, SPAIN--Senator Edgardo J. Angara unveiled a bust of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Heroes' Park earlier today, together with Ambassador Carlos Salinas of the Philippine Embassy.

For the first time, an image of our national hero will be displayed with other personalities from Cadiz history in the midst of the oldest inhabited town in all of Spain.

"This statue solidifies the shared history and culture between the two nations, symbolizing the growth of our relationship from colony and colonizer to that of equals with a shared future of collaboration and cooperation," said Angara.

According to Angara, author of the law creating the Philippine-Spanish Friendship day, the city of Cadiz is especially significant in our history since it was a major port of entry during the Galleon Trade era--much like Manila. Goods from Asia would be taken to the port of Cadiz to be traded throughout Europe, also enabling the spread of different beliefs, traditions and customs.

More importantly, says Angara, this town gave birth to the Cadiz Constitution of 1812, inspiring the Propaganda Movement and ultimately serving as the catalyst for Philippine Independence.

Angara also graced the well-attended reception of the Philippine Independence Day and Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day hosted by Ambassador Salinas earlier this week in Madrid.

In his speech, the veteran legislator commended the strengthening of economic ties between the two nations and pushed for more mutually beneficial partnerships in the near future.

Angara, vice-chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, also mentioned the High-Level Political Consulation between Spain and the Philippines held last week in Madrid, saying that this was a prime opportunity to fast-track the development of bilateral trade by increasing investment in joint ventures.

"I believe now is the time for Philippine-Spanish relations to undergo serious review and re-engineering. There is so much the Philippines and Spain can do together, not just in tourism, education and culture, but also in the exchange of technology, trained professionals and skilled manpower," he said.