Angara unveils Rizal bust in Spain

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Edgardo Angara yesterday unveiled a bust of Jose Rizal in Heroes’ Park in Cadiz, Spain.

“This statue solidifies the shared history and culture between the Philippines and Spain, symbolizing the growth of our relationship from colony and colonizer to that of equals, with a shared future of collaboration and cooperation,” Angara said in his speech.

He said the statue of Rizal will be displayed with other known personalities in Cadiz, the oldest town in Spain.

The senator said the Cadiz Constitution of 1812 inspired the Propaganda Movement, which served as the catalyst for Philippine independence.

Angara, author of the law creating the Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day, attended the unveiling of Rizal’s bust along with Philippine Ambassador to Spain Carlos Salinas.

He also graced the celebration of the Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day hosted by Salinas last week in Madrid.

Angara commended the strengthening of economic ties between the two nations and pushed for more beneficial partnerships in the near future.

Angara, vice chairman of the Senate committee on foreign relations, said the Philippines and Spain also held a high-level political consultation in Madrid last week.

“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.