Filipino-American Friendship Day
July 4
About Filipino-American Friendship Day
Filipino-American Friendship Day is an annual observance marking the close ties between the Philippines and the United States. It falls on 4 July, and in 2026 that is Saturday 4 July. The day commemorates 4 July 1946, when the United States formally recognised Philippine independence and the two countries signed the Treaty of Manila, ending nearly five decades of American rule and opening a new chapter as sovereign partners. It is observed both in the Philippines, where it is also known as Republic Day, and across Filipino-American communities in the United States.
The Story Behind Filipino-American Friendship Day
The Philippines came under American control in 1898, when Spain ceded the islands to the United States at the end of the Spanish-American War. For the next 48 years the archipelago was an American possession, first as a territory and then, from 1935, as a self-governing commonwealth moving steadily towards full independence. The path to sovereignty had already been set out in the Tydings-McDuffie Act of 1934, which promised independence after a ten-year transition.
That promise was honoured on 4 July 1946. President Harry S. Truman issued Proclamation 2695, officially recognising the independence of the Republic of the Philippines. On the same day in Manila, representatives of both nations signed the Treaty of General Relations, widely known as the Treaty of Manila. The agreement relinquished American sovereignty over the islands and recognised the Philippines as a fully independent republic. It was signed by United States High Commissioner Paul V. McNutt and Philippine President Manuel Roxas.
The date was no accident. By choosing 4 July, the same day as American Independence Day, the two governments underlined the shared ideals and the friendship that they hoped would define the relationship going forward. For its first 16 years as an independent nation, the Philippines marked 4 July as its national Independence Day.
That changed in 1962, when President Diosdado Macapagal moved the Philippine Independence Day to 12 June, the date in 1898 on which Emilio Aguinaldo had declared independence from Spain. The 4 July date was retained as Republic Day, and later, under President Ferdinand Marcos, it was renamed Philippine-American Friendship Day. In this way the anniversary of the Treaty of Manila has continued to be marked as a celebration of the bond between the two nations rather than as a national independence holiday.
When and Where is Filipino-American Friendship Day Celebrated?
Filipino-American Friendship Day is observed every year on 4 July, the anniversary of the 1946 Treaty of Manila. In 2026 the day falls on Saturday 4 July. The date is fixed and does not move from year to year.
In the Philippines the day is recognised as Republic Day and Philippine-American Friendship Day. In the United States it is observed within Filipino-American communities, particularly in areas with large Filipino populations such as Southern California, where organisations including the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) lead public celebrations. Because 4 July is already a major holiday in the United States, many community festivals are held on a nearby weekend rather than on the day itself, allowing the celebration to stand on its own.
Traditions and Customs
- Community parades featuring Filipino-American associations, civic groups and youth organisations marching together through town centres.
- Cultural performances of traditional Filipino dances such as the Cariñosa, a graceful courtship dance, alongside folk music and song.
- Festival grounds lined with food and merchandise vendors serving Filipino dishes and showcasing crafts and produce.
- Ceremonial openings, including the striking of a gong or the raising of both the Philippine and American flags side by side.
- Speeches and tributes recalling the shared history, wartime sacrifices and continuing friendship between the two countries.
Ways to Celebrate Filipino-American Friendship Day
- Attend a local Filipino-American friendship festival or parade and support the community organisations that host it.
- Cook or share a Filipino meal, trying dishes such as adobo, lumpia or pancit with family and friends.
- Read about the Treaty of Manila and the history of Philippine independence to understand the day’s origins.
- Watch a documentary or film exploring Filipino-American history and the experience of the Filipino diaspora.
- Display the Philippine and American flags together as a simple gesture of the friendship the day celebrates.
- Reach out to Filipino-American friends, neighbours or colleagues to mark the occasion and learn about their heritage.
Facts and Figures
- The Philippines was an American possession for 48 years, from 1898 until independence in 1946.
- The Treaty of Manila was signed on 4 July 1946 by High Commissioner Paul V. McNutt and President Manuel Roxas.
- President Truman recognised Philippine independence the same day through Proclamation 2695.
- The Philippines marked 4 July as its Independence Day from 1946 until 1962, when the date was moved to 12 June.
- Filipino Americans are one of the largest Asian-American communities in the United States, numbering in the millions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Filipino-American Friendship Day the same as Philippine Independence Day?
No. Philippine Independence Day is now observed on 12 June, marking the 1898 declaration of independence from Spain. Filipino-American Friendship Day on 4 July marks the 1946 Treaty of Manila and the friendship between the Philippines and the United States.
Why is it celebrated on the same day as American Independence Day?
The United States recognised Philippine independence on 4 July 1946, deliberately choosing the same date as its own Independence Day to symbolise the shared ideals and friendship between the two nations.
Who organises the celebrations in the United States?
Community groups lead the festivities, with organisations such as the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) hosting parades, cultural performances and festivals, especially in regions with large Filipino-American populations.
Spread the Word
Help others discover the history and meaning of this day by sharing it on social media. Use hashtags such as #FilipinoAmericanFriendshipDay, #PhilippineAmericanFriendshipDay2026, #FilAm and #FriendshipDay2026 to join the conversation and celebrate the bond between the two nations.
Related Awareness Days
Links
- U.S. Embassy in the Philippines: Philippine-American Friendship Day
- National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA)
- Awareness Days calendar
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