WHEREAS, on the occassion of the 56th anniversary of that event, it is appropriate that the two peoples renew and further strengthen 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 meet and proper that this historic event in the lives of the two nations, loyal partners in the active defense of freedom, be properly commemorated so that it may ever remain a source of inspiration 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, 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 right, interests and aspirations;

Now, THEREFORE, I, Ramon Magsaysay, President of the Philippines, do hereby declare August 13, 1954, 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 29th day of July, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and fifty-four, and of the Independence of the Philippines, the ninth.

(SGD.) RAMON MAGSAYSAY
President of the Philippines

By the President:
(SGD.) FRED RUIZ CASTRO
Executive Secretary