The Philippine-British Friendship Day, which falls on October 20 annually, was established in the year 2000 to recognize, strengthen, and enhance the close bond the two countries share. Following the Proclamation No. 1592 on August 20, 2008, by the then President of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the celebration of this day was shifted from December 7 to October 20. The change in the date was advocated by the then Ambassador of the U.K. to the Philippines, Peter Beckingham. The date was changed to coincide with the opening of the new British Embassy on McKinley Hill in Taguig City.
History of Philippine-British Friendship day
The Philippine-British Friendship Day is celebrated to honor the individuals and institutions that have been instrumental in the establishment, maintenance, and deepening of the strong bonds of economy, culture, and friendship that exist between the two nations. It was celebrated on December 7 every year under the Presidential Proclamation No. 381 of 2000. The date of this occasion was later moved to October 20 in 2008. In 2016, Philip Hammond, the British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, paid a visit to the Philippines to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the United Kingdom. Currently, the U.K. is one of the biggest investors in the Philippines. Approximately 90,000 people from the United Kingdom visit the Philippines annually.
The two nations established economic links during the early part of the 16th century. Between 1762 and 1764, the British captured the city of Manila and the port of Cavite. However, this occupation was soon terminated as a part of the peace settlement that was reached following the Seven Years’ War. In the year 1946, the United Kingdom and the Philippines began developing a long, close and fruitful ambassadorial relationship with one another.
In 1896, there were just 18,000 Filipinos living in the United Kingdom, which was a very small number. In 2010, it expanded to roughly 2,50,000. Most Filipinos work in a variety of industries, including teaching, engineering, aviation, catering, and medicine.
Philippine-British Friendship day timeline
The countries establish economic links with one another.
The countries first establish their ambassadorial relations with one another.
The date is shifted from December 7 to October 20.
The countries celebrate 70 years of ambassadorial relations between each other.
Philippine-British Friendship day FAQs
What has the Philippines gained the most from the British?
Although the Philippines has gained much in several ways from the U.K., the most notable gain has been education.
Are there trans-National education programs between the countries?
Trans-National Education programs have been approved by the Commission on Higher Education, or C.H.E.D. in the Philippines and nine universities in the U.K.
What ways can the world benefit from Philippine-British Friendship Day?
This day is a way to mark the value of their teamwork in addressing global issues like climate change and child sexual exploitation.
Philippine-British Friendship day Activities
Learn the history
You can learn more about the history of the Philippines. You can also research the country’s past relationships with the U.K.
Visit the Philippines
Taking a trip to the Philippines is the best way to celebrate. You can also witness the official celebrations that will usually take place on this day.
Share on social media
Sharing on social media about the beautiful friendship is a good way to celebrate this day. You can detail the history and friendships that the countries share to spread awareness.
5 Important Facts About The Philippines And Britain
Most Filipinos work in the N.H.S.
The National Health Service (N.H.S.), which delivers public healthcare in the UK, employs more than 22,000 Filipinos.
Chevening Scholarship Scheme
The British embassy in Manila has been offering deserving Filipino students fully paid scholarships such as the Chevening Scholarship to study in the U.K.
A major investor
Britain is heavily invested in the growth and development of the Philippines, not far behind Singapore, which emerged as the largest investor as of 2021.
The U.K is smaller in size
Area-wise, the Philippines is around 23% bigger than the United Kingdom.
Britons in the Philippines
Thousands of Britons visit every year, and around 10,000 reside in the Philippines.
Why We Love Philippine-British Friendship day
Celebration of friendship
This day acknowledges the friendship between the two nations. Both Britain and the Philippines, greatly benefit from one another.
Cultural ties
Strong cultural ties and the exchange of manpower and resources have been instrumental in the development of strong ties between countries. They deserve to be recognized.
Professional development
There are a considerable number of Filipino academics rendering their services in universities in the United Kingdom. Many of them went on scholarships to the U.K.
Philippine-British Friendship day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | October 20 | Sunday |
| 2025 | October 20 | Monday |
| 2026 | October 20 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | October 20 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | October 20 | Friday |
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