Proclamation No. 854, s. 2005

MALACANANG Manila

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

PROCLAMATION NO. 854

DECLARING SUNDAY, JULY 23, 2006 AS PHILIPPINES-JAPAN FRIENDSHIP DAY

WHEREAS, the Philippines and Japan established diplomatic relations with the ratification of the Peace Treaty and Reparations Agreement on July 23, 1956;

' WHEREAS, Japan is a sister: democracy and a major player in regional affairs, considering its influence in the security situation and economic development of East Asia and the region;

WHEREAS, the Philippines and Japan enjoy close, friendly and vibrant relations that have been mutually beneficial to both countries and peoples;

WHEREAS, relations cover a wide range of fields, particularly in the political and security cooperation, trade and economic cooperation, development assistance, socio- cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and labour and consular matters;

WHEREAS, the 50" Anniversary of Philippine-Japan relations merits appropriate observance and official commemoration.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare Sunday, July 23, 2006 as Philippines-Japan Friendship Day to mark the 50" anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan.

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

Done in the City of Manila, this 7th day of June, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand.and Five.

By the President:

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EDUARDO R. ERMITA Executive Secretary

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