Proclamation No. 1777, issued by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on May 18, 2009, designates the fourth week of June as "National Poison Prevention Week" annually. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the prevention of poisoning, given the significant number of toxicology referrals and preventable fatalities reported by the National Poison Management and Control Center. The Department of Health and the Philippine Society of Clinical and Occupational Toxicology are tasked with leading the planning and organization of related activities. Additionally, all sectors of society, including government and non-government organizations, are encouraged to participate actively in these efforts.
May 18, 2009
PROCLAMATION NO. 1777
DECLARING THE 4TH WEEK OF JUNE 2009 AND EVERY YEAR THEREAFTER AS "NATIONAL POISON PREVENTION WEEK"
WHEREAS, the National Poison Management and Control Center of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) receives an average of 10 referrals for toxicologic management within Metro Manila and other parts of the country daily;
WHEREAS, mortality reaches 2% among those admitted for poisoning which are preventable;
WHEREAS, there is an urgent need to increase awareness on the preventive aspects of poisoning prevention at home, school, work and the general environment;
WHEREAS, education and information dissemination activities on poisoning prevention will provide valuable information to increase the awareness of the general public, the working population and empower individuals in all sectors of the society up to the community level.
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 declare the 4th week of June 2009 and every year thereafter as "National Poison Prevention Week".
The Department of Health and the Philippine Society of Clinical and Occupational Toxicology (PSCOT) shall take the lead in planning and organizing activities for the National Poison Prevention Week. All other government and non-government organizations, local government units, private sector, academic institutions and civil society groups are enjoined to take an active role and participate in the planning and implementation of the proposed activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.
DONE in the City of Manila, this 18th day of May, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Nine.