Proclamation No. 2355, issued by President Ferdinand E. Marcos on April 28, 1984, declares the week before the first Saturday and Sunday of May each year as National Journalism Week in the Philippines. This proclamation acknowledges the significant role journalism has played in the nation's history, particularly in fostering nationalism and democracy, as exemplified by early Filipino writers like Jose Rizal and Marcelo H. del Pilar. The observance aims to celebrate and nurture the tradition of journalism, ensuring its relevance to future generations. The official proclamation was published in the Official Gazette on June 25, 1984.
April 28, 1984
PROCLAMATION NO. 2355
WHEREAS, the National Press Club of the Philippines, Inc., in its last annual convention on May 11, 1980, unanimously approved a resolution requesting the President of the Philippines to declare the week immediately preceding the First Saturday and First Sunday of May of every year as NATIONAL JOURNALISM WEEK;
WHEREAS, journalism is a noble profession which has contributed historically and significantly to the building and growth of modern nations, as well as to the strengthening and broadening of democracy;
WHEREAS, in the Philippines, the tradition of journalism as established by the writers of La Solidaridad headed by Jose Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar and Graciano Lopez Jaena, played a major part in arousing the nationalism of the Filipino people and inspiring them in their fight for national freedom and individual liberties;
WHEREAS, this tradition must be nurtured and celebrated by the present and succeeding generations of Filipinos in order that journalism shall continue to be relevant to the needs and aspirations of Philippine society;
THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers in me vested by the Constitution, hereby proclaim April 30 to May 6, 1984 as NATIONAL JOURNALISM WEEK so that the nation may be reminded of the noble history and traditions of Philippine Journalism.
DONE this 28th day of April, 1984, in the City of Manila.
Published in the Official Gazette, Vol. 80 No. 26 Page 3547 on June 25, 1984.