Proclaiming Volunteerism Month

May 18, 2009

PROCLAMATION NO. 1778

PROCLAIMING VOLUNTEERISM MONTH

WHEREAS, we must tackle many challenges once to keep our economy and way of life going strong. On the part of government, we must live within our means and run a lean and efficient government. This includes continued fiscal prudence and efforts to work towards a balanced budget. All the while, we must also simultaneously invest in key programs for our people;

WHEREAS, on the part of the people, now is the time for pulling together and focusing on family and the community. We must initiate a new era of volunteerism and community spirit. This should include the government, religious, civic groups and non-governmental organizations harnessing our people to engage in coordinated volunteer activities. We should focus on initiatives such as cleaning up our environment, building parks and planting trees and bringing comfort to the poor through food banks and bringing the dignity of literacy to adults who cannot read;

WHEREAS, during these trying times, the Philippine spirit and commitment to caring should prompt each of us to count our blessings and give back to those who are less fortunate. Our nation needs us all pulling in the same direction. Volunteering time, skill and resources is a noble undertaking we should all take seriously.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA M. ARROYO, President of the Philippines, by the powers vested in me by law, do hereby proclaim the month of May as Volunteerism Month.

DONE in Manila, this 18th day of May, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Nine.