Delegates from around the world in Mandaue today for 'Galleon Day"

CEBU, Philippines - Around 300 delegates from the National Commission on Culture and Arts from the different regions in the country and other delegates from around the world will be in Mandaue City today to celebrate the “Day of the Galleon.”

 Today’s activity will be in commemoration of the galleon trade between the Philippines and Mexico from 1565-1815.

 In particular, the delegates will visit the “Bantayan sa Hari” in barangay Looc.

During the 2009 United Nations Educational and Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)   held in Paris, a resolution was unanimously approved proclaiming every October 8 of the year as “Dia del Galleon (Day of Galleon ).

The resolution was co-sponsored by the Philippines, Mexico, and Spain with the support of other ASEAN and European countries. 

With this, Mandaue was chosen by the NCCA to be its partner in the affair which is considered to be monumental since it has taken more than 400 years to create the first International Dia del Galeon Festival 2010-connecting continents.

 Jocelyn Gerra of the Heritage and Culture Focus Area of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc (RAFI) said as a partner of activity in Cebu, the city was invited to be its partner in the Viaje del Galeon activity which will take place from October 8 to October 11.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to meet city officials.

Father Harold Rentoria, OSA, director of Commemorative Events of NCCA, said delegates will arrive at 8 a.m. today and will proceed to the Bantayn sa Hari.

The delegates will bring the Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Peace and Bon Voyage which accompanied the Galleon during its trip from Meximo to Cebu.

History had it that the galleon trade was an essential trade route that served as a vessel for cultural exchange.

Because of the galleons, Mexican silver were brought to Asia, Spanish music was brought to the Philippines, and the world was introduced to the Philippines.

It was also through the galleons that religious missionaries traveled to the Philippines to continue and strengthen the evangelization of the country. (FREEMAN)