DECLARING NOVEMBER 15, 1955, PHILIPPINE-AMERICAN DAY

WHEREAS, the observance of Philippine-American
Day last year has proved the value of keeping alive the spirit of friendship
and mutual helpfulness between the American and Filipino peoples;

WHEREAS, it is appropriate that the two nations
continue renewing and further strengthening the bonds that bind them in view,
particularly, of the prevailing critical world conditions that threaten their
security and the democratic institutions that they have jointly developed and
staunchly defended at the cost of their resources and blood;

WHEREAS, it is desirable that the two peoples be
afforded every opportunity to get together on an intimate basis and encouraged
to find a common medium for the friendly, intelligent, and unselfish appraisal
of the problems as well as the advantages that arise from their present
relationship, always in a spirit of cooperation and with due regard for each
other’s rights, interest, and aspirations;

WHEREAS, it is meet and proper that one day
during the year should be devoted to the commemoration of the historic
partnership of the two nations in the noble effort to insure the success and
permanence of the free and democratic enterprises in which they are engaged and
which constitute their contribution to the peace of the world and the happiness
of mankind; and

WHEREAS, the Philippine-American Day Committee of
1954 has recommended November 15 as the most appropriate occasion for this
year’s celebration, that date being reminiscent of the first official
implementation of the Philippine Independence Act of the U. S. Congress through
the formal establishment of the former government of the Commonwealth of the
Philippines preparatory to the inauguration of our Republic;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ramon Magsaysay, President of
the Philippines, do hereby declare November 15, 1955, as Philippine-American
Day. I call upon all our people and all Americans residing within Philippine
territory to observe this date with appropriate ceremonies designed to promote
mutual understanding and helpfulness and to enhance the practical significance
of the intimate association existing between Filipinos and Americans and
between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of
the Republic of the United States of America. I especially call on all civic,
business, religious, and service organizations and schools, both public and
private, to devote this date to exercises calculated to advance knowledge and
wider appreciation of the value of Philippine-American relationship and of the
benefits derived from it.

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 4th day of November, in the year of Our
Lord, nineteen hundred and fifty-five, and of the Independence of the
Philippines, the tenth.

Ramon Magsaysay
President of the Philippines

By the President:
FRED RUIZ CASTRO
Executive  Secretary