Proclamation No. 1282, s. 2016

MALACANAN PALACE MANILA

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES PROCLAMATION NO. 1282

DECLARING 22 MAY 2016 AND EVERY YEAR THEREAFTER AS PHILIPPINE— AUSTRALIA FRIENDSHIP DAY

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Philippines to strengthen its relationship with countries that have shared history, values and traditions;

WHEREAS, the Philippines and Australia started their formal diplomatic relations in 1946 with the establishment of the Australian Consulate-General in Manila;

WHEREAS, the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Australia, based on similar aspirations of liberty, justice, democratic values and close historical ties, is demonstrated in several programs involving development assistance, immigration issues, regional and security cooperation, trade and investment;

WHEREAS, to celebrate, enhance, and enrich their bilateral cooperation, the Philippines and Australia decided to elevate their relationship into a comprehensive partnership, through the issuance of the Joint Declaration on Australia—Philippines Comprehensive Partnership; and

WHEREAS, the 70‘ Anniversary of the Philippine—Australia relations merits appropriate observance and official commemoration.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BENIGNO S. AQUINO Ill, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare 22 May 2016 and every year thereafter as Philippine—Australia Friendship Day, coinciding with the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Australia

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, | have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.

DONE, in the City of Manila, this23rd day of May _ in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Sixteen.

By the President: vy Lye

ee Pltise of the Presivent of

PAQUITON. OCHOA JR. TTT PNOY021381

Pidioes on 021380

THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES