The US celebrates the Fourth of July with fireworks and merriment, but did you know the Philippines has its own version of the holiday as well? For many Filipinos and our American allies, July 4 is a day to celebrate and commemorate the special relationship between the two nations.
Since 1946, July 4 has been officially known as ‘Philippine-American Friendship Day.’ Before it became a national holiday, there was a long and rich history between the Philippines and the United States of America.
The History of the Philippine-American Friendship Day
The Philippines came under the custody of the US in 1898. During the American reign, the Philippines was not only influenced by Western values and cultural norms, but the country also received an invaluable partnership regarding national safety and protection.
This became evident in World War II when the Philippines faced powerful Japanese forces and attacks.
This polarizing event marked the unique partnership between the Philippines and America. On July 26, 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt ordered a joint defense between the American forces, the Philippine Scouts, the Philippine Commonwealth Army, and the Philippine Constabulary against Japanese invaders.
During the campaign, about 57,000 fighters of both Filipinos and Americans were killed, and about 76,000 prisoners of war endured the Bataan Death March. Despite the best efforts of the two countries, the Philippines fell to the might of Japan.
However grim the outcome of the war, Filipinos and Americans remained loyal to each other. Filipinos, in particular, would form guerrilla regiments during the Japanese occupation, which were instrumental in the return of US forces in 1944.
To this day, the American After the return of American troops in 1944, it would only take another 2 years before the Philippines gained total independence on July 4, 1946.
Who declared Philippine-American Friendship Day?
Initially, July 4 was designated as the Philippines’ Independence Day. July 4 was a day for both countries to look back and acknowledge the deep partnership for over 100 years.
Later on, President Diosdado Macapagal moved the Philippine Independence Day celebration to July 12 and renamed July 4 as Philippines Republic Day. Unofficially, however, July 4 was also considered Filipino-American Friendship Day. Many believe that that was the year the celebration officially began since it solidified the role of the Filipino-American friendship in obtaining a republic status for the Philippines.
The Evolution of the ‘Philippine-American Friendship Day’ Name
President Ramon Magsaysay issued a presidential proclamation for the observance of July 4th as ‘Philippine American Day’ every year to officialise festivities.
Philippine American Friendship Day through various administrations
During the time under the administration of President Marcos, the Philippines was put under martial law and reminders of Philippine independence under the old republic were discouraged. This eventually led to renaming the holiday to ‘Filipino-American Friendship Day’ in 1984.
Additionally, July 4 was declared a non-working holiday to formalize and acknowledge Filipino-American Friendship with President Marcos administration. Aptly. This would be the first official celebration of Philippine-American Friendship Day under its new name.
As administrations changed, so did the attitude toward the relationship between the Philippines and America. During the time of President Corazon ‘Cory’ C. Aquino, celebrating the ‘Philippine-American Friendship Day’ or ‘Philippine Republic Day’ as a non-working holiday was formally abolished or removed from the list of regular holidays.
The yearly event was no longer included in the list of non-working holidays released by the government.
A few years later, President Fidel V. Ramos became president and reinstated ‘Republic Day’ as a public celebration to commemorate 50 years of Philippine independence.
What is the relationship between the US and the Philippines today?
The Philippine-American Friendship Day is an excellent reminder of the remarkable friendship between the two countries. With a long history, it’s also important to learn about the two nations’ strong relationship today.
The Philippines is one of the US’ oldest allies in the Indo-Pacific region. This alliance aims to advance the prosperity, peace, and security of the Philippines, the United States, and the greater Indo-Pacific region.
Military
The collaboration between American and Filipino arms is unrivalled. Bilateral military exercises help sharpen and modernize operations in the region, with legacies still enduring today in areas like Subic Bay. For one, the Balikatan and new programs backed by the US to upgrade the Philippine Coast Guard’s vessel traffic management system.
Economy
The United States only has one overseas VA Service Center based in Manila. This reaffirms the special friendship the Philippines has with America. In part, the establishment of the VA Service Center is America’s fulfillment of its obligations to the Filipinos who served under the American flag in wars throughout history.
Numerous economic strengthening activities between the two countries bolster investments, high-quality jobs, and sustained economic growth. For instance, US companies in the Philippines provide annual wages above 50% of the average family’s income.
Several US companies, such as Amkor, Texas Instruments, and Onsemi, also employ thousands of Filipinos in massive sectors like technology.
Education
The Philippines also receives the longest-running Fulbright Program, an exchange program to help deliver quality education and strengthen the alum networks among Filipinos who have benefitted from these programs.
Celebrating the 4th of July: The Filipino-American Friendship Day
Whether it is called Philippine Republic Day, Philippine-American Day, Philippine-American Friendship Day, the Filipino-American Friendship Day, or any other name, the 4th of July is a cause for celebration. You can look back on the first republic day and see the growth of the Filipino people as an independent nation.
This Philippine-American Friendship Day, reach out to your American friends and read up on your history books. May this Filipino-American Friendship Day help you be proud of being part of the deep friendship between both nations.
