MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
[ Proclamation No. 653, September 18, 1995 ]
DIRECTING THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS CONCERNED TO COMMEMORATE ANNUALLY THE ANNIVERSARIES OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS RELATED TO THE LIBERATION OF THE PHILIPPINES DURING WORLD WAR II
WHEREAS, the country successfully commemorated the fiftieth anniversary of World War II events leading to the liberation of the Philippines from the Japanese Occupation Force from 20 October 1994 to 9 September 1945;
WHEREAS, such commemoration appropriately called attention to the heroism and gallantry of Filipino war veterans who carried on the armed struggle against the enemy during those dark days, as well as the spirit of sacrifice of Filipino civilians who bore their sufferings with dignity and equanimity;
WHEREAS, the commemoration served to awaken in the people, particularly the youth, a renewed consciousness of the eternal values of democracy, freedom, peace and love of country;
WHEREAS, these World War II events should be continuously observed, to honor our war veterans as well as to instill in the peoples hearts and minds the desire to preserve our freedom and our way of life;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, FIDEL V. RAMOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order the annual observance of the World War II events listed below and designate the Local Government Units concerned to undertake fitting commemorative rites and activities:
| 1. |
Leyte Gulf Landings |
17-20 October |
| 2. |
Landing in Mindoro Island |
15-16 December |
| 3. |
Lingayen Gulf Landings |
7-9 January |
| 4. |
Retaking of Clark Air Field |
28 January |
| 5. |
Landing in San Narciso, Zambales |
29 January |
| 6. |
Liberation of the POW Camp in Cabanatuan City |
30 January |
| 7. |
Liberation of Olongapo City |
30 January |
| 8. |
Landing in Nasugbu, Batangas |
31 January |
| 9. |
Liberation of Tagaytay, Cavite |
3 February |
| 10. |
Liberation of Manila |
3 February – 3 March |
| 11. |
Liberation of San Jose, Nueva Ecija (Gateway to Cagayan Valley) |
4 February |
| 12. |
Landing in Mariveles, Bataan |
15 February |
| 13. |
Retaking of Nichols Air Field and Fort William McKinley, Rizal |
15 – 16 February |
| 14. |
Retaking of Corregidor Island |
16 February |
| 15. |
Liberation of Pasig |
19 February |
| 16. |
Liberation of Los Baños, Laguna |
23 February |
| 17. |
Landing in Puerto Princesa, Palawan |
28 February |
| 18. |
Liberation of Sta. Cruz, Laguna |
5 March |
| 19. |
Landing in Zamboanga City |
10-11 March |
| 20. |
Liberation of Panay and Romblon |
18 March |
| 21. |
Liberation of Bauang, La Union |
19 March |
| 22. |
Landing in Talisay, Cebu |
29 March |
| 23. |
Landing in Negros Island |
29 March |
| 24. |
Liberation of Lipa City |
29 March |
| 25. |
Landing in Masbate Island |
29 March |
| 26. |
Landing in Legaspi City |
1 April |
| 27. |
Landing in Jolo Island |
9 April |
| 28. |
Landing in Cotabato and Liberation of Pikit and Parang |
17-20 April |
| 29. |
Liberation of Dumaguete City |
26 April |
| 30. |
Liberation of Baguio City |
27 April |
| 31. |
Liberation of Digos, Davao |
28 April |
| 32. |
Liberation of Davao City |
3 May |
| 33. |
Battle of Balete Pass |
10-13 May |
| 34. |
Battle of Bessang Pass |
12 May – 14 June |
| 35. |
Battle of Malepunyo |
14 May |
| 36. |
Battle of Ipo Dam |
17 – 19 May |
| 37. |
Liberation of Malay-balay, Bukidnon |
20 May |
| 38. |
Liberation of Iligan, Isabela |
18 June |
| 39. |
Liberation of Tuguegarao, Cagayan |
25 June |
| 40. |
Liberation of Aparri, Cagayan |
27 June |
| 41. |
Surrender of General Yamashita, Kiangan, Ifugao |
2 September |
| 42. |
End of World War II in Baguio City |
3 September |
| 43. |
Victory Day in Negros Island |
9 September |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.1aшphi1
DONE in the City of Manila, this 18th day of September in the year of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-Five.
(Sgd.) FIDEL V. RAMOS
By the President:
(Sgd.) RUBEN D. TORRES
Executive Secretary
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