Australia and the Philippines celebrate 75 years of Mateship and Bayanihan

 

Australia and the Philippines have launched celebrations for our 75th Anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2021. Officially launched in Manila on Australia Day, the year will involve a range of exciting activities and initiatives. They will engage friends and partners across both countries and highlight the breadth and depth of our cooperation and engagement.

Shared values

The Philippines is one of Australia’s longest-standing bilateral relationships. Our enduring friendship is based on shared interests and values, supported by strong people-to-people links. The relationship has developed into a mature partnership that seeks to advance our mutual interests through cooperation in trade, development, defence and security.

Recognising the shared values between Australia and the Philippines, the 75th Anniversary campaign bears the theme “Mateship and Bayanihan”. The Filipino ideal of “bayanihan” which conveys the spirit of communal unity and cooperation, is akin to the Australian tradition of “mateship” – that notion of friendship, solidarity and pulling together. These values have been tested under the most gruelling periods of history, including today, as we work together in these times of COVID-19.

75th anniversary webpage and logo

The official 75th Anniversary reflects distinct elements of our national flags – the Philippine sun and the Commonwealth Star – and symbolizes the common values and friendship that the two countries have forged over 75 years.

The official 75th Anniversary reflects distinct elements of our national flags – the Philippine sun and the Commonwealth Star – and symbolizes the common values and friendship that the two countries have forged over 75 years.

The special webpage www.mateshipandbayanihan.com will feature a range of 75th Anniversary updates throughout the year.