Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day in the Philippines Date in the current year: June 30, 2024

33 Spanish soldiers garrisoned inside a church in town of Baler for a year, protecting the Spanish flag from July 1, 1898 to June 2, 1899. They didn't known, that Spain had already lost its principle colony in Asia and the Philippines didn't belong to it anymore.

General Emilio Aguinaldo issued a decree on June 30, stating that these soldiers were not the enemy of the nation any more, but friends. They received a necessary permission to return back to Spain. These last soldiers became known as the last ones of the Philippines.

This historic day was later promoted by Senator Edgardo Angara, who described it as a glorious day for both countries. The first celebration of Friendship Day took place in 2003 and it became a symbol of friendship of two nations. Different activities and events are organized in various cities across the country.

It's interesting that Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day is also observed in Spain. The first celebration took place in 2006 in the city of Palencia, then events were organized in Madrid, Barcelona, Almonte and Huelva.