Philippine-British Friendship Day marks a milestone in Philippines-British relations. This occasion was first celebrated in 2000 after President Joseph E. Estrada’s issued Presidential Proclamation No. 381 declaring December 7, 2000, and every year thereafter Philippine-British Friendship Day. The date was changed to October 20 at the request of United Kingdom Ambassador Peter Beckingham to coincide with the inauguration of the new British Embassy on this date. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo issued on August 20, 2008 Presidential Proclamation No. 1592 to amend the date of the occasion.
Philippine-British ties date back to the early 16th century when European explorations in Southeast Asia began. British nationals came as mariners, travelers, and traders. Sir Francis Drake and Sir Thomas Cavendish came in the 17th century. William Dampier, General Draper, and Admiral Cornish came in the 18th century. More came when the Philippines was opened to world trade in the early 19th century. Nicholas Looney established the Philippine sugar industry and served as the British Vice Consul in Iloilo from 1856 to 1866. Sir John Bowring, British diplomat and governor of Hong Kong visited the Philippines in 1859. Many British subjects joined the Philippine Revolution when it broke out in August 23, 1896. A British national, Paul Stanshope, is one of the unsung heroes of the Philippine Revolution.
Relations between the two countries have greatly expanded. Some 150,000 Filipino nurses and caregivers serve in the United Kingdom (UK). Conversely, some 15,000 British nationals live in the Philippines and another 65,000 visit the Philippines annually. British Ambassador to the Philippines Stephen Lillie expressed optimism that British participation in Philippine life and economy will continue to increase. UK, he noted, was the top net investor in the Philippines in 2008, amounting to US$298.17 million. It has invested more than US$18 billion over the last 10 years.
The event this year shall be highlighted by several activities, including a British Book Fair at all National Book Store outlets nationwide showcasing British publications on October 21-31, 2010, a climate change forum, book donations, gastronomic presentations by UK-trained chefs, and a performance entitled “Shakespeare Turns Pinoy.”
Philippine-British Friendship Day is an occasion to recognize the people and institutions that have helped establish and promote the rich historical, economic, cultural, and contemporary relations between the Philippines and United Kingdom.