Creation of Ad Hoc Committee for the Celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Leyte Landing

July 30, 2004

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 102

CREATING AN AD HOC COMMITTEE TO TAKE CHARGE OF THE PREPARATIONS FOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LEYTE LANDING ON OCTOBER 20, 2004

WHEREAS, October 20, 2004 marks the 60th Anniversary of the historic Leyte Landing which initiated the liberation of the Philippines during World War II;

WHEREAS, this year's anniversary acquires additional significance in view of the rapidly dwindling number of World War II veterans;

WHEREAS, the event should be appropriately celebrated to memorialize the ideals and deeds of World War II veterans as a means of enhancing patriotism among Filipinos and fortifying the ties of friendship among freedom-loving nations;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

SECTION 1. An Ad Hoc Committee is hereby created to take charge of the preparations to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Leyte Landing on October 20, 2004, to be composed of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, as Chairman; Senator Richard Gordon from the Senate, as Co-Chairman; the Secretary of Tourism and the Executive Director of the National Historical Institute as members. The Ad Hoc Committee may designate and/or appoint other members.

SECTION 2. The Ad Hoc Committee shall plan, coordinate and implement all programs, projects and activities relating to the 60th Anniversary of the Leyte Landing. IHaSED

SECTION 3. All departments, bureaus, offices, agencies and instrumentalities of the government and all local government units and government-owned and controlled corporations are hereby enjoined to give full support, assistance and cooperation to the Ad Hoc Committee in the exercise of its responsibilities under this Order.

SECTION 4. All branches of government are enjoined to participate in the Anniversary of the Leyte Landing as well as to enlist the participation of private sector groups and non-government organizations to ensure the success of the 60th Anniversary of the Leyte Landing celebration.

SECTION 5. In support of the 60th Anniversary of the Leyte Landing celebrations, all concerned agencies and local government units are, subject to budgetary laws and issuances, authorized to allocate such amounts as may be necessary to defray expenses for said event.

SECTION 6. This Administrative Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 30th day of July, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Four.