Declaring the Year 2020 as the "Year of Filipino Health Workers"

July 6, 2020

PROCLAMATION NO. 976

DECLARING THE YEAR 2020 AS THE "YEAR OF FILIPINO HEALTH WORKERS"

WHEREAS, Section 15, Article II of the 1987 Constitution declares it a policy of the State to protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them;

WHEREAS, on 24 May 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared 2020 as the "International Year of the Nurse and Midwife," in recognition of the vital role of such health workers in achieving sustainable development goals and universal health coverage;

WHEREAS, the Philippines, as one of the Member States of the WHO, supports the declaration and adopts the call to honor and celebrate all nurses, midwives and other health workers, whose hardwork and dedication have led to the saving of countless lives, the improvement of the overall health of many, and ultimately, the betterment of our world;

WHEREAS, the State recognizes the invaluable contributions of nurses, midwives and all other health workers, as the backbone of the country's health system, whether in promoting health consciousness, performing essential medical and health services, or responding to health crises in various situations;

WHEREAS, thousands of Filipino health workers, who comprise a major component of the nation's labor force, selflessly and tirelessly provide essential, quality and critical care to individuals, families and groups, even in the face of great peril, fear, uncertainty and vulnerability;

WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected the country and most nations worldwide, and has posed a daunting challenge to the country's health sector; and

WHEREAS, there is a need to commemorate the immeasurable acts of heroism and selfless compassion of nurses, midwives and all health workers, and give due honor to those who sacrificed their lives in the line of service, especially during this extraordinary time;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and existing laws, do hereby declare the year 2020 as the "Year of Filipino Health Workers."

The Department of Health (DOH) shall lead, coordinate and supervise the nationwide observance of the Year of Filipino Health Workers. All other agencies and instrumentalities of the National Government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, are hereby directed, and all local government units, business communities, relevant civil society groups and professional organizations, are hereby encouraged to actively participate and render the necessary support and assistance to the DOH for the effective implementation of this Proclamation.

All national and local publications, television networks and radio stations are also encouraged to promote and generate awareness, as well as public support for the programs and activities relative to the celebration of the Year of Filipino Health Workers.

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 6th day of July, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty.

Published in the Official Gazette, Vol. 116, No. 29, p. 4731 on July 20, 2020.