29 October 2013 - The Philippine Embassy in Madrid organized a mass for the victims of the earthquake in Bohol and Cebu. The mass was held at the Crypt of the Catedral Santa María la Real de la Almudena, seat of the Archdiocese of Madrid, on October 25.

 The mass was celebrated by Fr. Jose Antonio Hernandez, the Parochial Vicar of the Crypt of the Catedral de la Almudena.  He was joined by Fr. Teodoro Barquin, CM. and Fr. Virgilio M. Bago, a Filipino priest assigned in Ibiza.

 In his remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Spain Carlos C. Salinas thanked the Archdiocese of Madrid for offering the Catedral de la Almudena for this occasion. He recounted the events on that fateful day and the devastation caused by the strong earthquakes, the loss of lives, the destruction of centuries-old churches, and the erosion of parts of the famous Chocolate Hills in Bohol. He is confident that the residents will regain their lives and become strong again after this incident.

 Ambassador Salinas also extended his sympathies to the members of the Filipino community in Madrid whose families were affected by the devastation caused by the earthquake. He also encouraged everyone to keep in their thoughts and prayers our kababayans in Bohol and Cebu.

 The memorial mass was attended by the Filipino community in Madrid, Embassy personnel and Spanish friends. END