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PHILIPPINE-AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP DAY MARKED TODAY
(BULLETIN, By ROBERT R. REQUINTINA)

Manila, July 4, 2000 - The nation celebrates today, July 4, Philippine-American Friendship Day, an occasion which continues to bind the two nations in freedom, equality, and justice.

It was on July 4, 1946, that the United States, through Ambassador Paul V. McNutt, on behalf of US President Harry S. Truman, recognized Philippine independence in rites held at the Luneta grandstand.

The event fulfilled the American policy of independence as declared in the TydingsMcDuffie Law of 1934.

President Joseph Estrada yesterday greeted the American people on the 224th Independence Day of the United States and on the celebration of 101 years of PhilippineAmerican friendship.

He traced the 101 years of close RP-US relations to the time Filipino migrant workers went to Hawaii which is now one of America's 50 states.

"As we join the American people in this jubilation," he said, we reiterate our commitment to a new era in US-Philippine bilateral ties, agreeing to sustain our partnership on the basis of mutual respect, reinforced by our common commitment to peace."

July 4 was celebrated as Philippine Independence Day starting in 1946 until then President Diosdado Macapagal declared June 12, 1898, instead as "Araw ng Kalayaan," commemorating the day President Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed Philippine independence in Kawit, Cavite.

President Ferdinand E. Marcos later declared July 4 Philippine-American Friendship Day.

Government authorities have cited the many contributions of the Americans to the country, particularly in the field of mass education.

They said the introduction of public schools and the high standards provided by these schools accounted for the Philippines' having the highest literacy rate in Asia as early as the first decade of the century.

United States administration of the country was also a model of colonial rule as it also gave priority to public health, they added.

"It was during that period when Filipinos were exposed to the ideals and institutions of American-style democracy. The recent successful presidential elections are a testimony to the democratic legacy that the two countries continue to flourish."

Following is the message issued by President Estrada yesterday:

"On behalf of the Filipino people, it is with great honor and privilege that I send my esteemed greetings and felicitations to the American people as you celebrate the 224th Independence Day of the United States of America (USA) and the 101 years of Filipino-American sovereign friendship.

"Filipino-American bilateral relations today have blossomed into the intimate condition that it is today. The celebration of independence of the people of America is an important milestone in our close bilateral ties that date back to the first Filipino migrant workers some 101 years ago to the American island state of Hawaii. Since then, Philippine -American ties have grown, strengthened and evolved stronger and more mature than any other bilateral sovereign relations in the world today.

"The 101 years of close cooperation and intimate bonding that the Philippines have with the American people deserve our special observance as no other relations between two independent and sovereign nations can claim the same.

"As we join the American people in this jubilation, we reiterate our commitment to a new era in US-Philippines bilateral ties, agreeing to sustain our partnership on the basis of mutual respect, reinforced by our common commitment to peace.

"It is my fervent hope that this historic occasion will be as meaningful and serve as a more resilient foundation for sustaining Philippine-American relations as our sovereign people face the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century.

"Mabuhay!"