Philippine-American Friendship Day was designated by President Diosdado P. Macapagal to commemorate the liberation of the country by Filipino and American forces from Japanese occupation at the end of World War II.

The Philippines was a United States territory from 1898 to 1941, when it was occupied by Japanese forces and again by Americans for a brief period after the war. The US recognized Philippine independence on July 4, 1946.

Initially, the Independence Day of the Philippines (Araw ng Kalayaan) was observed on July 4. President Diosdado P. Macapagal moved it to June 12, the date in 1898 when President Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the country’s independence from Spain. President Macapagal declared July 4 Philippine-American Friendship Day, coinciding with the United State’s Independence Day.

The Philippines and the United States have a long-standing friendship. They have a shared historical experience and congruent national interests, focused on reinforcing security and progress in the Asia-Pacific region. Filipinos and Americans have stood on the same side in the cause of freedom.

We congratulate the government and people of the United States of America led by H.E., President Barack H. Obama, and their Embassy in the Philippines, headed by H.E., Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney, and the Philippines led by H.E., President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, on the occasion of their Philippine American Friendship Day.