Proclamation No. 2242, issued on November 19, 1982, by President Ferdinand E. Marcos, designates the last Sunday of November as Bible Sunday and the following week as National Bible Week in the Philippines. This declaration aligns with the state policy to foster moral character and personal discipline among the populace, recognizing the Bible as a key resource in achieving these goals. The proclamation emphasizes the importance of religious freedom and encourages equal support for all religious sects. It also calls for radio stations to promote Bible readings throughout National Bible Week, reinforcing the initiative's objective to enhance understanding and unity within the community.
November 19, 1982
PROCLAMATION NO. 2242
DECLARING THE LAST SUNDAY OF NOVEMBER AS BIBLE SUNDAY AND THE WEEK FOLLOWING AS NATIONAL BIBLE WEEK AND EVERY YEAR THEREAFTER
WHEREAS, it is a policy of the State enunciated in the Constitution that the government shall aid and encourage the development of the moral character and personal discipline of the people;
WHEREAS, certain activities pursued in the exercise of religious freedom contribute to the attainment of this goal which should receive the encouragement and support of the government upon the condition that all religious sects shall be accorded the same privileges and opportunities;
WHEREAS, the Bible has been recognized by both Christians and Non-Christians alike as an excellent source of principles for the development of moral character and personal discipline;
WHEREAS, Christian churches throughout the country celebrate Bible Sunday every year to encourage the reading of the Holy Bible as an instrument to develop moral character, personal discipline, understanding and unity among our people; cd
WHEREAS, on November 28, the Philippine Bible Society, which is an interfaith organization, celebrate its Anniversary of service to the Bible Cause;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare the First Sunday of Advent as Bible Sunday and the week following as National Bible Week and every year thereafter under the auspices of the Philippine Bible Society and other involved organizations.
I encourage radio stations throughout the country to air Bible readings everyday during the week.
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 19th day of November, in the year of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Two.
Published in the Official Gazette, Vol. 78 No. 48, 6634-20 Supp., on November 29, 1982.