PORTUGAL, on the Iberian Peninsula, is celebrating its National Day today. Every year, a city is chosen to host the official celebration, which traditionally features military ceremonies, exhibitions, concerts, pageants and an awards ceremony led by the president of the Portuguese Republic. Portuguese citizens in other areas of the globe also celebrate the day with food festivals, museum exhibits, children’s carnivals, among other events. Also known as Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities, this daylong observance commemorates the death of the country’s literary icon, Luis de Camões on June 10, 1580. Due to the uncertainty of the birth date of Camões, the country’s national day was established and subsequently celebrated annually on June 10. Camões’ “Os Lusiadas” is the national epic poem of Portugal that highlights the country’s colorful history and achievements, focusing on 15th century Portuguese explorations that ushered in fame and fortune to the country. Portugal is bordered by Spain on the east and north. To the west is the Atlantic Ocean. It is regarded as one of Europe’s most visited countries because of its idyllic climate and magnificent attractions, ranging from verdant mountains and vineyards to rolling farmlands, medieval villages, and pristine beaches. Its capital and largest city is Lisbon in a hilly coastal area that offers visitors many interesting sites to see. It has a museum of art, architecture, and technology, flea markets, mini-bars, restaurants, and antique shops. The Republic of the Philippines formally established diplomatic relations with the Portuguese Republic on July 4, 1946. The Philippines has an embassy in Lisbon and Portugal has Consulate Offices in the cities of Manila and Cebu. Earlier this year, the Philippine embassy in Lisbon promoted a people-to-people diplomacy exhibition, showcasing the rich and colorful heritage of the Philippines around its clothing culture that reflects the creativity and ingenuity of Filipino workmanship. We greet the people and government of Portugal, led by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister António Costa, on the occasion of Portugal’s National Day.