Proclamation No. 653 (1995)

MALACAÑAN PALACE

MANILA

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

[ Proclamation No. 653, September 18, 1995 ]

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:

1. | 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

Executive Secretary