BALER, AURORA – The Spanish government offered scholarships for Filipinos willing to learn the Spanish language.

Senator Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara disclosed the offer and confirmed by Ambassador Jorge Moragas Sanchez during the celebration of the 123rd anniversary of the Historic Siege of Baler and the 20th Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day.

“Sen. Angara announced that we gonna do an effort to provide for scholarships to learn Spanish. Teachers, online courses and I think it is something good,” Sanchez said.

“I have to remind you, in terms of language, you  already have many words in Tagalog that come from Spain. Words that come from mesa, silya to pasensya, and many other words. About 3,000 words to say,”  added the ambassador.

The official, however, explained they are still studying the details of the program.

“It has been decided yesterday so we have to bring more details and study how we gonna support that. But I think it’s a very good idea,” Sanchez stressed.

Meanwhile, Angara explained the relevance of the celebration and expressed gratitude to the Spanish government for all the assistance it extended to the country especially during the Covid19 pandemic.

“One thing we can learn from the Spaniards is their strong tourism. Binubuhay talaga ng tourism ang kanilang ekonomiya.  Kahit bagsak ang kanilang industriya, ang kanilang manufacturing buhay na buhay, ang kanilang turismo. So yan ang puntahan ng mga taga-England, taga-Germany. They get I think close to 30 million tourist a year,” said the senator.