Philippine Participation in the 2009 International Year of Astronomy (IYA 2009)

September 29, 2008

PROCLAMATION NO. 1630

PHILIPPINE PARTICIPATION IN THE 2009 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF ASTRONOMY (IYA 2009)

WHEREAS, to commemorate the four hundredth year when Galileo Galilei first used his invented telescope in gazing at the stars, the United Nations proclaimed 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy (IYA 2009) designating the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Astronomical Union (IAU) as lead and implementing agencies, respectively; SEACTH

WHEREAS, it will be a year-long global celebration of astronomy with the theme, "The Universe, Yours to Discover", and will mark the importance of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture;

WHEREAS, the event aims at stimulating interest in astronomy and science, particularly among the young people, thereby encouraging the spirit of discovery and the sharing of fundamental knowledge about the Universe and our place in its midst, and ultimately providing an on-going platform for international cooperation beyond all barriers including age, race, gender, status, time, place and space;

WHEREAS, the Philippines is an associate member of the IAU, represented by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST);

WHEREAS, the DOST constituted a National Organizing Committee (NOC) that will oversee the celebration of the IYA 2009 in the Philippines, composed of members from the following government agencies and private entities:

1) PAGASA, DOST

2) Philippine Council for Advanced Science and Technology Research and Development (PCASTRD), DOST

3) College of Science, University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman

4) Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry, UP-Diliman

5) National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development (NISMED), UP-Diliman

6) National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA)

7) Rizal Technological University (RTU)

8) UBIQUOM, Inc.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare Philippine participation in the 2009 International Year of Astronomy (IYA 2009). ESTAIH

All concerned public and private entities are enjoined to support the activities lined-up by the NOC for this occasion to ensure maximum public participation and government involvement for the successful celebration of IYA 2009 in the Philippines. Preparations involving expenditures of public funds shall be disbursed by concerned department and agencies in accordance with existing accounting and auditing rules.

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 29th day of September, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Eight.