The Philippines celebrate Unknown Citizens’ Day on the second Sunday of January each year. This year’s event occurs on January 8. It was established in 1936 by Commonwealth Act No. 152 to honour the “rank and file” of Filipinos who have fulfilled their duties as Filipino Citizens by working for the nation’s uplift and progress. These individuals are common members of society, as opposed to government officials. They constitute the basis of any organisation. Their dedication to duty, whether it be obeying traffic laws or respecting elders, ensures the proper functioning of Filipino society. Unknown Citizens’ Day is observed to honour the average citizen.
Unknown Citizens’ Day History
The Philippines are an island nation situated in the western Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southeast Asia. It consists of more than 7,000 islands and islets. It was named after King Philip II of Spain, who reigned at the time when it was colonized. For over 300 years, Spain ruled the country, followed by the United States for nearly 50 years.
Political conflict did not end with the country’s independence, as the end of the 20th century was particularly marked by political conflict. The country and its people endured more than a decade of dictatorship under Ferdinand Marcos. However, in 1986, the People Power movement organized a public uprising against the regime that restored democracy.
The Philippines remains a collectivist society, with an emphasis on community, culture, and family, as well as the individual’s relationship to these. Unknown Citizens’ Day was established in 1936 by Commonwealth Act No. 152 to honour the “rank and file” of Filipinos who have fulfilled their duties as Filipino Citizens by working for the country’s uplift and progress. These individuals are common members of society, as opposed to government officials. They constitute the basis of any organisation. Their dedication to duty, whether it be obeying traffic laws or respecting elders, ensures the proper functioning of Filipino society. Unknown Citizens’ Day is observed to honour the average citizen.
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PHILIPPINES
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Text capital
Because of the large volumes of text messages sent in the country, the Philippines is known as the “Text Capital of the World.”
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Religion
About 86% of the population is Roman Catholic.
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Coconuts
The country is one of the largest coconut producers worldwide.
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Basketball
Asia’s first basketball league was born in the Philippines.
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Nurses
The Philippines is the largest nurse supplier in the world.
UNKNOWN CITIZENS’ DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | January 9 | Sunday |
| 2023 | January 8 | Sunday |
| 2024 | January 14 | Sunday |
| 2025 | January 12 | Sunday |
| 2026 | January 11 | Sunday |
