The Philippine-British Friendship Day, observed annually on October 20, was founded in 2000 with the intention of honoring, fortifying, and augmenting the profound friendship that exists between the two nations. In accordance with Proclamation No. 1592 issued by then-President of the Philippines Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on August 20, 2008, the observance of this day was moved from December 7 to October 20. The alteration in the date was supported by Peter Beckingham, the British Ambassador to the Philippines at the time. In conjunction with the inauguration of the British Embassy on McKinley Hill in Taguig City, the date was adjusted.
The background of Philippine-British Friendship Day
On Philippine-British Friendship Day, recognition is paid to the institutions and individuals who have played a pivotal role in fostering, preserving, and strengthening the robust economic, cultural, and amicable ties between the two countries. The occasion was annually observed on December 7 in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 381 of 2000. Ultimately, this event was rescheduled for October 20, 2008. In 2016, British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Philip Hammond visited the Philippines to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and the Philippines. The United Kingdom is one of the largest investors in the Philippines at present. An estimated 90,000 British citizens travel to the Philippines each year.
Economic relations were established between the two countries in the early sixteenth century. The British captured both the port of Cavite and the metropolis of Manila between 1762 and 1764. Nevertheless, this period of occupation was expeditiously concluded in accordance with the peace accord that ensued subsequent to the Seven Years’ War. The United Kingdom and the Philippines initiated a protracted, amicable, and mutually beneficial diplomatic association in 1946.
A mere 18,000 Filipinos resided in the United Kingdom in 1896, an extremely small population. Its population increased to approximately 2,50,000 in 2010. The majority of Filipinos are employed in the catering, medicine, engineering, teaching, and aviation industries, among others.
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Philippine-British Friendship Day Activities
Investigate history
A greater understanding of the history of the Philippines is possible. One may also investigate the nation’s historical ties with the United Kingdom.
Explore the Philippines
A trip to the Philippines would be the ideal method to commemorate the occasion. Additionally, one may behold the official festivities that customarily transpire on this day.
Contribute to social media
Commemorating this day by sharing on social media about the lovely friendship is a thoughtful gesture. To increase awareness, you may describe the countries’ shared history and friendships.
Five crucial facts regarding the Philippines and Britain
More than 22,000 Filipinos are employed by the National Health Service (NHS), which provides public healthcare in the United Kingdom.
The British embassy in Manila has been awarding fully-funded scholarships, including the Chevening Scholarship, to deserving Filipino students who wish to pursue higher education in the United Kingdom.
In terms of financial support for the advancement and progress of the Philippines, Britain ranks second in magnitude only to Singapore, which assumed the position of the leading investor as of 2021.
The Philippines is approximately 23% larger in area than the United Kingdom.
Thousands of Britons visit the Philippines annually, and approximately 10,000 of them reside there.
PHILIPPINE-BRITISH FRIENDSHIP DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | October 20 | Friday |
| 2024 | October 20 | Sunday |
| 2025 | October 20 | Monday |
| 2026 | October 20 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | October 20 | Wednesday |
