MALACAÑANG

MANILA


BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES


PROCLAMATION NO. 653


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:

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.


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