President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued Proclamation No. 598 declaring October 30 of every year as “National Day of Charity.”
The proclamation forms part of the administration’s commitment to promoting and uplifting the lives of every Filipino under a “Bagong Pilipinas.”
In signing the proclamation, President Marcos cited Section 9, Article II of the Constitution, which mandates the promotion of a just and dynamic social order to ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation and free the people from poverty through policies that provide social services, promote full employment, improve the standard of living and quality of life for all.
“Bagong Pilipinas, as the overarching theme of the Administration’s brand of governance and leadership, calls for deep and fundamental transformations in all sectors of society and government, and visions to emphasize compassion, solidarity and social responsibility among Filipinos,” the proclamation stated.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed the two-page Proclamation No. 598 on June 13 this year.
Under the proclamation, President Marcos directed the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to lead, coordinate and supervise the observance of the “National Day of Charity,” and identify the programs, activities and projects for the celebration.
The PCSO “has shown its dedication to fulfil its mandate through the provision of medical services, the conduct of free medical and dental services, the establishment of an out-patient clinic, and its partnerships with qualified government and non-government welfare institutions/agencies that promote the well-being of the marginalized sectors of society.”
All government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, financial institutions and state universities and colleges are directed are encouraged to participate in the observance of the “National Day of Charity.” Likewise, all local government units, non-government organizations and private sectors are directed to do the same. PND