Observance of the International Humanitarian Law Day on August 12, 2008

August 4, 2008

MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 161

ENJOINING ALL CABINET MEMBERS AND HEADS OF GOVERNMENT-OWNED AND CONTROLLED CORPORATIONS TO OBSERVE THE INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW DAY ON AUGUST 12, 2008 AND ACTIVELY SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATE IN THE CONDUCT OF ACTIVITIES RELATIVE THERETO

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 134 dated July 31, 1999, declaring August 12 as International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Day, all cabinet members and heads of government-owned and controlled corporations are enjoined and encouraged to support the initiatives lined-up for the observance of the International Humanitarian Day on August 12, 2008. The theme for this year's celebration is "Together for Humanity, Dignity and Peace", in line with the Government's thrust, among others, to sustain institutional and popular support and participation of all sectors of the society in building a culture of peace in the country.

In particular, you are hereby advised to undertake any or a combination of the following:

1. Placement of streamers at conspicuous areas in your respective offices (please refer to attach design, referred to as Annex "A", and made an integral part hereof);

2. Mobilization of personnel to join the "Walk for Humanity, Dignity and Peace" on August 10, 2008 (Sunday) which will start at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. With Quirino Grandstand as the convergence point, the government sector participants will walk from Rajah Sulayman Park in front of Malate Church while the civil society groups will come from the Liwasan Bonifacio Office fronting the Manila Post Office.

3. Administration of a voluntary blood-letting activity in coordination with the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) and Department of Health (DOH), either on the IHL Day itself (Tuesday, August 12, 2008) or any day in August 2008; and,

4. Administration of seminars and symposia to discuss the importance of IHL in collaboration with PNRC and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). DEIHSa

Further, you are also encouraged to provide other support that may be deemed necessary to make the celebration more meaningful.

The Department of National Defense (DND) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in cooperation with PNRC and ICRC shall spearhead the implementation of the activities lined-up for the celebration and shall carry out the necessary coordination among the participating government agencies, bureaus and government-owned and controlled corporations.

As the Chairman for this year's celebration, the Secretary of National Defense shall submit a report to the President, through the Executive Secretary copy furnished the Presidential Chief of Staff, on the conduct of the IHL Day, including but not limited to, the participation of government agencies, bureaus and government-owned and controlled corporations.

SO ORDERED.

Manila, Philippines, August 4, 2008.

Department/Agency Name and The Philippine National Red Cross