Each year since 1946, we celebrate the establishment of diplomatic relations, reflecting a lasting friendship. In 2026, the Philippines and Australia will have maintained 80 years of official partnership, which began on 4th July 1946.
Prior on the 22nd May 1946 the Australian Consulate-General was established in Manila at the Manila Hotel. This day is marked as ‘Philippine-Australia Friendship Day’ as stated in Proclamation No. 1282 under the Benigno Aquino III administration in 2016. The bill highlights our shared principles, history and aspirations for justice and freedom.
Our shared history is far reaching and deserves to be celebrated as we continue on a path of cooperation and look forward to a long-lasting dynamic partnership based on respect that upholds the values of mateship, diplomacy and a shared sense of Bayanihan. How will this connection, understanding, and agreed joint declarations (notably 2023) be sustained to strengthen both nations in the years to come?
Prior to the Treaty of Manila in 1946 on the 15th of November 1935 the Commonwealth of the Philippines formally commenced marking the beginning of a 10-year shift to a government that would develop solely from the control of the nation without further American interference. America before had aligned the country with American interests first, now the government would eventually be free to cultivate strategic partnerships on their own terms.
Belonging to the same ideological camp
Ten years later Manuel Roxas fifth president of the Philippines stated Australia is a “natural ally of the Philippines” and he expressed his views that we shared similar ideologies in a speech broadcasted over Australian national radio stations on the 3rd July 1946 just a day before the treaty of Manila was signed ending American imperialism and relinquishment of the islands back to Filipino control. Roxas addressed Australia “as one neighbour whom we especially wish to cultivate” highlighting “that It is natural that we should feel closer to Australia today than ever in our history”, a statement which has remained true as this time in history continues to hold significance.
From trade to partnership: The ongoing connection
Before official diplomatic relations were established between Australia and the Philippines, contact began in the 1800s through trade. An early exchange included fresh Australian milk being marketed in Manila and Coffee (most notably Lipa Barako from Batangas) also was a notable export in the mid-1850s.
Then from the 1860s Filipinos began to arrive in Australia for work.
A story that stands out to me and demonstrates the interconnectedness of our history is the involvement of two Visayans in the establishment of the newspaper Kalayaan. Candido Iban (From Aklan) and Francisco del Castillo (From Cebu) who both later on became katipuneros worked in Darwin, Queensland as pearl divers. In 1894 the pair won the Tattersalls lottery that was operating out of Brisbane. Upon their return to Manila in 1895 they befriended Procopio Bonifacio and joined the society becoming Anak ng Bayan. Upon learning of the organisations need for resources, they used 400 pesos of the winnings to purchase a printing press from Antonio Salazar on Carriedo street and handed it over to Andres Bonifacio to be used for the Katipunan’s newspaper. This newspaper helped the Katipunan to reach more people and gain members. Author O.D Corpuz stated in his book (The Roots of the Filipino Nation) “The single issue of the Kalayaan spread knowledge of the Katipunan widely and drew the common people into its membership… By March (1896), hundreds were said to be joining nightly in the Manila area”.
Freedom is not merely a product of the elite or a few persons but rather combined efforts of an array of individuals, some which may never be heard of. Meaningful progress frequently originates within small organisations driven by a clear, collective purpose and vision. The Australian Anzacs in PNG similarly demonstrate this very well, taking matters into your own hands and becoming a formidable force.
Our ongoing connection is clear, and both countries remain firmly committed to cooperation and shared prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Recently, the Australian, Philippine and American navy, undertook a multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) from the 9th to the 13th of April in the EEZ, an operation that not only reinforced security but reflected a sense of unity in increasingly challenging waters an issue recently highlighted by Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr, “the environment in which we operate is becoming more complex”. Continual dialogue, such as Ambassador Morales recently highlighting the valuable contributions of the Filipino community in Australia, reflects a partnership that is not only enduring but steadily strengthening and well positioned to be sustained into the future.
