Barcelona, 23 March 2023 - As part of its cultural and public diplomacy program, and in celebration of National Women’s Month, Post welcomed on 23 March 2023, 22 fifth-grade students from the Escola Sant Francesc d’Assís Barcelona and their school principal, Ms. Maite Fenollosa Tallada, as well as their teacher Ms. Sara Bilol. Eighteen of the students were second and third-generation Filipinos, while the rest had roots from Pakistan and Bangladesh. 

The visit, which was upon the invitation of the Consulate, sought to instill Philippine values and traditions to the Filipino students, as well as an opportunity to share the same to the non-Filipinos present. 

Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro warmly welcomed all the participants and encouraged the Filipino students to reconnect with their roots by taking an interest in Philippine culture. She thanked the officials of the school for visiting the Consulate and encouraging the students to experience the Philippines during the workshop.

Malaysian-based Filipina visual artist and founder of Art Dialogo Asia, Ms. Anna Karina Jardin gave a lecture and an art workshop which centered on Philippine culture and history. The students actively participated in all the activities, where, through the lively atmosphere fostered by Ms. Jardin and the Consulate officials, the former gained valuable knowledge and better appreciation of Philippine art, festivals, traditions, and the shared heritage between the Philippines and Spain. 

A key part of the program was a brief lecture on the role of women in Philippine history and society, in honor of National Women’s Month. 

The highlight of the program was the presentation of the collaborative artwork made by the students, where their creativity and bayanihan spirit were underscored. 

The students and school officials all expressed their appreciation for allowing them to be part of Barcelona PCG’s programs.  The class teacher of the students, Ms. Sarah Bilol said, “Creative activities such as art workshops are very effective in getting the interest and attention of young students, and having Philippine culture as the topic makes it even more meaningful.” Ms. Bilal added, “As someone from Barcelona, learning about the many facets of shared Philippine-Spanish heritage is an eye-opener and gives me a better understanding of my students’ behavior and values.” END