Mekeni Food Corporation (MFC), Prudencio Garcia has spoken out against an incident of racism his wife and daughter experienced while visiting Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain, on Thursday, July 24.

In a deeply emotional Facebook post, Garcia described the experience as “deeply upsetting,” revealing how his family was subjected to racist treatment at one of the most iconic heritage sites in the world.

Garcia recounted the incident: “We were in a group of 23 tourists. At the entrance security, I was assigned to a different lane, while they were in another. After their bags passed through the x-ray machine, the female guard asked them, ‘What nationality are you?’ When they replied, ‘We’re Filipinos,’ she said, ‘Open your bags. I don’t trust Filipinos.’”

The incident was shared with Garcia by his 16-year-old daughter later that evening, after she hesitantly spoke about what happened over dinner. “That sentence, spoken with ease, carried a sting that lingered long after,” Garcia wrote.

The businessman has since tried reaching UNESCO and the Spanish cultural office to raise awareness about the incident, though his attempts to send a formal email have been unsuccessful. He emphasized that racism should not be tolerated, especially in a place meant to symbolize unity and heritage.

“This experience shouldn’t go unnoticed. Sagrada Familia should be a symbol of unity, not division. Of reverence, not racism,” Garcia said. “We travel to learn, to grow, and to connect, not to be judged for where we come from.”

Garcia expressed that his letter to UNESCO and Spanish authorities is not driven by anger, but by the hope that such an incident will never be repeated—not to any Filipino, nor anyone else.

“We share this story not to condemn, but to ensure that it is never repeated,” Garcia added.

The Garcia family is currently on a European trip, celebrating Prudencio’s retirement.