Observance of Araw ng Kagitingan and the Philippine Veterans Week

February 24, 2005

MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 161

DIRECTING THE SECRETARY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE TO LEAD THE 2005 OBSERVANCE OF ARAW NG KAGITINGAN AND THE PHILIPPINE VETERANS WEEK

WHEREAS, Executive Order No. 203, Series of 1987, declared April 9 every year as a regular holiday for the celebration of Araw ng Kagitingan; ETaSDc

WHEREAS, Proclamation No. 466, Series of 1989, designated the period from April 5 to 11 of every year as Philippine Veterans Week in order to promote, preserve, and memorialize the principles, ideals, and deeds of our war veterans as a means to enhance patriotism and love of country, especially among the youth of the land;

WHEREAS, the observance of the said events through meaningful activities is appropriate. AHcCDI

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

SECTION 1. The Secretary of National Defense shall lead the observance of the 2005 Araw ng Kagitingan and Philippine Veterans Week.2005iatdc

SECTION 2. The Secretary of National Defense may call on any agency or instrumentality of the government, including government-owned and controlled corporations, and to invite any private individual or non-government organization for assistance as he may need in the discharge of his functions for the duration of the celebration. All such government agencies and private individuals or organizations are enjoined to cooperate with the Secretary of National Defense to ensure success in the commemoration of these two important events.

SECTION 3. The release of TWO MILLION PESOS (PhP2,000,000.00) chargeable against the President's Contingency Fund for Fiscal Year 2005 is hereby authorized to carry out the provisions of the Memorandum Order. Any deficiency shall be charged against the regular budget of the participating agencies.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 24th day of February, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand Five.