Duterte sees stronger ties with Spain on 500th anniversary of Magellan's landing

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said he hopes to boost relations of the country with the Spaniards as he celebrated the 500th anniversary of the first circumnavigation of the world, which also marks the Spaniards’ first arrival in the Philippines.

“We conquered history and until now, we are celebrating because it is the first time we saw foreigners in our native land. That alone speaks volume of stories but we are also conscious of the fact that it was the reality of the moment at that time,” he said during the celebration of the Philippines’ presence in the 500th circumnavigation of the world led by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.

“We thank everybody, the ancestors, Spaniards who came here and we hope this event will further fortify our relations with Spaniards,” he added.

Duterte, who had been at times critical of the Catholic leadership, extolled the contribution of Spaniards in starting Catholicism in the country during their colonization.

“The fact is that they [Spaniards] were here and it contributed to something that was good for the country. I don’t have anything on religion but what was counted here was the sword and cross of Christianity. Hindi na bale yan total dumaan na yan (It’s already here) that we may remember their kindness and bravery,” he said.

The Chief Executive also urged Filipinos “to appreciate rich history and learn from Filipino ancestors” to avoid “compromise in the country's sovereignty.”

This is in contrast to Duterte’s remark in 2019 where he seemed to question the celebration of the entry of Spaniards in the country 500 years ago.

"Bakit magbibigay ako ng selebrasyon sa pagdating ng mga banyaga na Espanyol dito? (Why would I launch a celebration for those Spaniard colonizers?)” Duterte said in a previous speech.

In a statement from the Presidential Communications Office, President Duterte unveiled the Quincentennial Marker, which is among the 34 historical markers mounted along the route of the first circumnavigation that took place in the Philippines.

Duterte also led the Ceremonial Switch-On for the Electricity in Homonhon Island and acquired the 'Murillo Velarde Map Circa 1734' Commemorative Stamp, which is the first scientific map showing the Philippine islands that was drawn 300 years ago. -NB, GMA News