By Genalyn Kabiling
The country will observe February 4 of every year as the Philippine-American Memorial Day, according to a new law signed by President Duterte.
Philippine and American flags (Photo from US Embassy in the Philippines / Facebook / MANILA BULLETIN)
Under Republic Act No.11304, February 4 will be a special working holiday in commemoration of the sacrifice and bravery of the men and women who fought and died in defense of the country during the Philippine-American war.
"The holiday shall be referred to as the 'Philippine-American War Memorial Day' or 'Araw ng Paggunita sa Digmaang Pilipino-Amerikano,'" the law read.
The new law has mandated the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education to ensure appropriate activities will be held in schools to commemorate the Philippine-American War Memorial Day.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippine has been directed to provide the education agencies and the public with information to promote a meaningful commemoration of the memorial day.
The funds for the memorial commemoration will be sourced from the annual budget of the concerned agencies.
The law, signed by the President last April 17, takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or newspaper. The law was released by the Palace to the public only Tuesday.