PROCLAIMING FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 1954, AS BATAAN DAY AND DECLARING IT AS A SPECIAL PUBLIC HOLIDAY

WHEREAS, the ninth day of April, 1954, marks the
twelfth anniversary of the Fall of Bataan where the bonds of friendship and
cooperation, between the Philippines and the United States were forged in blood
and fire; and

WHEREAS, the commemoration of the Fall of Bataan
is a fitting homage to the heroism of Filipino and American forces who fought
side by side against overwhelming odds in the epic struggle for democracy and
freedom;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ramon Magsaysay, President of
the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby
proclaim Friday, April 9, 1954, as Bataan Day and declare it as a special
public holiday. I call upon all provincial governors, city mayors,” all other
public officials and citizens of the Philippines, as well as all American
nationals residing in this country, to observe the day with appropriate
ceremonies expressive of the immortal spirit of Bataan and of its heroic
defenders.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand
and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.

Done in the City of Manila, this 23rd day of
March, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and fifty-four, and of the
Independence of the Philippines, the eighth.

RAMON MAGSAYSAY
President of the Philippines

By the President:

FRED RUIZ CASTRO
Executive Secretary