Memorandum Order No. 138, issued on March 9, 2004, directs the Secretary of National Defense to lead the celebration of Araw ng Kagitingan on April 7, 2004, instead of the traditional date of April 9, which coincides with Good Friday. This change is made to ensure that the observance of this important event is conducted with appropriate activities, respecting the religious significance of Good Friday for Christians in the Philippines. The order reflects the government's commitment to honor veterans while considering cultural and religious sensitivities. The directive was signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
March 9, 2004
MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 138
DIRECTING THE SECRETARY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE TO LEAD THE 2004 CELEBRATION OF ARAW NG KAGITINGAN ON APRIL 7, 2004 INSTEAD OF APRIL 9, 2004
WHEREAS, Memorandum Order No. 131, dated January 20, 2004, directed the Secretary of National Defense to lead the 2004 observance of Araw ng Kagitingan and the Philippine Veterans Week;
WHEREAS, this year, "Araw ng Kagitingan" coincides with Good Friday, a day of high religious significance to Christians worldwide, especially those in the Philippines;
WHEREAS, it is important that the said events be observed with appropriate and meaningful activities.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order the Secretary of National Defense to lead the observance of the 2004 Araw ng Kagitingan on April 7, 2004 instead of April 9, 2004, which falls on a Good Friday. CDTAbench
DONE in the City of Manila, this 9th day of March, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Four.