Declaring 1 March 2017, and Every Year Thereafter as "Asia-Europe Meeting Day"

October 5, 2016

PROCLAMATION NO. 74

DECLARING 1 MARCH 2017, AND EVERY YEAR THEREAFTER AS "ASIA-EUROPE MEETING DAY"

WHEREAS, the Republic of the Philippines is one of the founding members of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in 1996, and also one of the signatories to the Asia-Europe Cooperation Framework in 2000; TIADCc

WHEREAS, the Republic of the Philippines, as part of its foreign policy as an active member of ASEM, wishes to enhance the country's commitment to work closely with Asian and European countries, with the objective of strengthening the relationship between the two regions, in a spirit of mutual respect and equal partnership;

WHEREAS, the Republic of the Philippines reaffirms its determination to engage in substantial political, economic and cultural dialogue with Asian and European countries, and promote initiatives that further the country's interests;

WHEREAS, the members of ASEM, through the Ulaanbaatar Declaration on ASEM into the Third Decade, designated an ASEM Day (Asia meets Europe/Europe Meets Asia Day) and recommended celebrating it annually on March 1 or any other day during the first week of March as appropriate with a view to underlining ASEM's importance and raising its visibility;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby proclaim 1 March 2017 and every year thereafter as "ASEM DAY."

SECTION 1. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is hereby designated as the lead agency in initiating and implementing appropriate events and activities in observance and celebration of ASEM Day in the Philippines.

SECTION 2. All agencies and instrumentalities of the National Government, including government-owned and/or -controlled corporations, are hereby directed to collaborate and cooperate with the DFA in advocating and implementing activities, including fostering ASEM awareness in the Philippines.

SECTION 3. All local government units, as well as the private sector and non-government organizations, are encouraged to actively participate and extend their full support and assistance to the DFA, in whatever capacity, for a meaningful observance of the ASEM Day.

SECTION 4. This Proclamation shall take effect immediately.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 5th day of October, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Sixteen. AIDSTE