Father's Day in the Philippines

The history of celebrating Father's Day and Mother's Day in the Philippines goes back many decades. Originally, Filipinos celebrated Mother’s Day on the first Monday of December. In 1921, the Ilocos Norte Federation of Women’s Clubs appealed to American Governor-General Charles Yeater to declare the first Monday of December ‘Mother’s Day’ to honor these fabulous women. Yeater issued Circular No. 33 which designated the first Monday of every December as Mother’s Day.

In 1980, President Ferdinand Marcos issued Proclamation No. 2037, declaring December’s first Sunday as Father’s Day and the first Monday as Mother’s Day. During President Corazon Aquino’s term, the Father’s Day was moved to the first Monday of May.

Her Proclamation No. 266 declared every second Sunday of May as Araw ng mga Ina or Mother’s Day, and the third Sunday of June as "Araw ng mga Ama" or Father’s Day in the Philippines. This proclamation superseded that of Marcos.

But whatever the date, there is always the need to properly celebrate our cherished parents and show them our appreciation for their hard work and care for the family.