PROCLAIMING SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 1955, AS BATAAN DAY AND DECLARING IT AS A SPECIAL PUBLIC HOLIDAY

WHEREAS, the ninth day of April, 1955, which
marks the thirteenth anniversary of the Fall of Bataan, has become a shining
symbol of courage and heroism to all freedom-loving peoples of the world;

WHEREAS, Bataan Day has strengthened the
everlasting bonds of friendship and cooperation between the Philippines and the
United States;

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 Saturday, April 9, 1955, as Bataan Day and declare it as a special
public holiday throughout the Philippines. I call upon all public officials and
citizens of the Philippines, and invite all American nationals residing in this
country to observe the day with a one-minute silence at 4:30 o’clock in the
afternoon of that day, and to hold appropriate rites in honor of the heroic
defenders of Bataan.

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 25th day of
March, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and fifty-five, and of the
Independence of the Philippines, the ninth.

RAMON MAGSAYSAY
President of the Philippines

By the President:
FRED RUIZ CASTRO
Executive Secretary