DAVAO CITY – The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines in Mindanao (AmCham Mindanao) vowed to uphold the longstanding friendship between Filipinos and Americans during the 78th Philippine-American Friendship Day celebration here on Thursday, July 4.
THE American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines in Mindanao (AmCham Mindanao) President Jocelyn Catamco (center) and AmCham Board of Governor and Park Inn by Radisson Davao General Manager Sven Toune (right) led the Slicing of the Cake with new AmCham member and event host, corporate lawyer and businessman Jude Ralph Villacin Yap, during the celebration of the Filipino-American Friendship Day at Villa Villacin Mansion in Davao City on Thursday, July 4. (Ivy Tejano)
Jude Ralph Villacin Yap, a corporate lawyer, businessman, and AmCham member, hosted the event on Thursday night at Villa Villacin Mansion. He welcomed all distinguished guests and highlighted the importance of the occasion from Philippine-American historical ties.
Filipino-American Friendship Day is a statement of the enduring bond and mutual respect between the peace and progress-loving nations, the AmCham Mindanao said, adding that the two nations’ dedication to freedom, education, and solid bilateral ties inspires generations.
“Filipinos did not regret it (the history). We learned from the American education system,” Yap said as he briefly discussed Philippine history and Philippine-American relations, citing the significant events and good deeds the United States brought to the country.
Acknowledging the academic sector, such as the University of Mindanao and the University of the Immaculate Conception during the event, Yap expressed that schools wouldn’t exist without education. He said he is thankful to the Americans who brought a better life to Filipino people.
“It is said that a friend in debt is indeed a friend. I do not want this to be a political forum, but we need more of America to assist us,” Yap added, referring to the current West Philippine Sea issue. He asked citizens to support the present administration like its predecessor.
“We are friends with Americans. America gave us independence. We learned things. We hope America will make its commitment to the Philippines. Mabuhay ang Republika ng Pilipinas and long live America,” Yap said.
AmCham Board of Governor, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Board of Director, and UM President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Guillermo “Willy” Torres Jr. thanked Americans for introducing education to the Philippines.
“What is nice that the Americans did to us, which Spain did not do for the past 400 years, was the establishment of the educational system. From a Spanish-speaking country for 400 years, we became an English-speaking country in over 40 years,” Torres said.
Torres recounted the history of the UM, founded by his father, Guillermo E. Torres Sr., in 1946 and its ongoing growth. He noted that the legacy of American education continues to influence Filipinos, and even the government system is similar to that of the United States.
AmCham Board of Gov. Peter Cowles believed that Americans and Filipinos get along well because they share a common heritage, history, and goals. He acknowledged that while they may not always agree on everything, they share a deep bond of friendship.
Filipino-American Friendship Day celebrates the strong ties built between the two countries for many years. It highlights the complex but robust relationship between the two countries, evolving from a difficult start to a valued partnership.