INTRODUCTION
First of all, I want to thank you, Mr. Ambassador, and your lovely wife Diana, for this reception tonight and for the toast you have offered to the Philippines and the Filipino people.

We are honored and pleased to take part in this commemoration of a most special day for the United States of America and the American people. That the proclamation of American independence has echoed and reverberated in many lands through the years is part of its deathless message and glory.

One measure of this is the fact that our two peoples and governments mark Philippine-American friendship day on this day. It was by conscious choice, and not by accident, that we picked this day to celebrate it. For our friendship has always meant also a bonding in the principles of democracy and the cause of freedom.

Throughout our relationship — which now spans 98 years — we have known many challenges, confrontations, crises and changes. Yet from the first moment of encounter to this day, freedom — and its surpassing meaning to the human quest for progress and equity — has been the principal dynamic in our relationship.

From a relationship seared initially in conflict and clash of interests, we have moved irrevocably to one of mutuality and friendship — wherein we have shared our hopes for peace and progress in the world.

Today, we take pride in the many dimensions of our relations.

We have an enduring security relationship, anchored in the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951, and sealed by the experience of fighting together in the defense of peace and freedom. Our veterans who are still with us today are living proof of this struggle — an abiding reminder to the new generations that peace and freedom can only be won and kept by constant vigil.

With peace and stability secure, we have faced the challenge of development in our part of the world — of releasing the energies of millions for development and of forging the kind of ties among nations out of which sustainable development is built.

And just as significant, strong ties of culture underpin and enrich our bilateral relations — strengthening our faith in democracy and enabling us to share in much that civilization has brought.

If the Asia-Pacific today is the pacesetter for progress in the world, it is surely partly because of the efforts we, together with other nations have committed to the cause of freedom, development and cultural progress.

Today, Mr. Ambassador, the Philippines is experiencing a tide of reform and progress we have not known since our own proclamation of independence 98 years ago. We take pride as a people in making this happen. But we do not forget also the invaluable assistance of others — not least the friendship and help of America.

We must, in our time, also resolve any remaining differences and issues between us, upholding equity and justice in their resolution.

Today, as we strive with other nations to build the Asia-Pacific century, I hope that the friendship between our two peoples will continue to light our way to the future. And I trust that we will together guard jealously the shared faith that enabled us to be steadfast in peril and enterprising in times of opportunity.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen:

I ask you to rise and join me in a toast. Let us drink to the health of His Excellency President William J. Clinton, to the continued prosperity of the American people, and to the enduring friendship of the peoples of the United States and the Philippines.

Mabuhay/Long life!!