The Law Designating Philippine-Japanese Friendship Day

Erika Nicole C. Baclaan

The Philippines-Japan Friendship Month is held during the month of July to commemorate the designation of July 23 as Philippines-Japan Friendship Day in the Golden Jubilee Celebration of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2006.

Philippines and Japan established diplomatic relations with the ratification of the Peace Treaty and Reparations Agreement on July 23, 1956; Japan is also a  sister democracy and a major player in regional affairs, considering its influence in the security situation and economic development of East Asia and the region; the Philippines and Japan enjoy close, friendly and vibrant relations that have been mutually beneficial to both countries and peoples; relations cover a wide range, of fields, particularly in the political and security cooperation, trade and economic cooperation, development assistance, socio-cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and labor and consular matters. The signing of the law marks the celebration of the 50^th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan. PROCLAMATION NO. 854 Signed by the administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo last 2005 that by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare Sunday, July 23, 2006 as Philippines-Japan Friendship Day.