PNoy begins 4-nation European trip at Madrid's Rizal monument

Madrid, Spain - President Benigno Aquino III started his four-country European trip on Sunday in Spain, where he placed a wreath at the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Avenida de las Islas Filipinas in Madrid.

Madrid's Rizal monument was built in 1996, and is an exact replica of the Rizal monument at the Luneta Park.

PHOTOS: President Aquino leads wreath-laying ceremonies at Madrid's Rizal Monument. #PNoyEU http://t.co/2Odn90IsMl pic.twitter.com/5ETPLtw9pq

— Official Gazette PH (@govph) September 14, 2014
 

Spain is home to some 44,000 resident and migrant Filipinos, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs, and a crowd of them gathered at the monument to shake the President's hand.

Aquino then made his way to the Colegie Nuestra Senora de las Maravillas, where he gave a humor-laced speech on his administration's achievements in tourism, and in the economy in general. “We’re not only more open for business, it’s also more fun in the Philippines,” he said.

In one of the President's jests, he pointed out that the Colegie Nuestra Senora de las Maravillas was run by the La Salle brothers. “Kaya pala at home na at home ako dito. Galing ho ako ng Ateneo kasi,” Aquino joked.

Aquino also poked fun at himself and his government. While outlining his administration's gains, and with Department of Transportation and Communication Sec. Jun Abaya nearby, he said, “Pati po sa larangan ng trapiko po, nagbago na: lalo hong lumala!”

The President also mentioned the Gilas Pilipinas basketball team's participation at the FIBA Basketball World Cup, currently held in Spain. “Totoo, 'di man natin nasungkit ang kampeyonato, talaga naman pong marami ang nagulat sa ipinakitang husay ng Pilipino,” he said.

However, Aquino's trip will take a more serious tone on Monday, when he will meet with Spanish King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy at the Palacio de la Zarsuela.

Palace officials said that the President would take the opportunity to seek Spain's support for the Philippines' triple action plan on the West Philippine Sea, which includes a cessation of all activities in the area.

He will likewise express the Philippine government’s concern over China’s aggressive reclamation activities in several reefs in the disputed waters.

Immediately after meeting the two leaders, Aquino will leave for Brussels, Belgium where he will meet with European Commission officials, Belgian King Philippe and the Filipino community. — DVM, GMA News