ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 73 -
DIRECTING THE ORGANIZATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF ACTIVITIES AND
PROGRAMS TO CELEBRATE PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY ON JUNE 12, 2003
WHEREAS, there is a need for the Filipino
people to commemorate the heroism, and self-sacrifice of our
forefathers in the struggle for independence;
WHEREAS, the 105th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine
Independence is the ideal occasion for all Filipinos to unite and rally
behind the government and the country's institutions;
WHEREAS, there is a need to properly plan, implement and coordinate all
programs and activities leading to the said celebration.
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 Tourism is hereby
designated to take the lead in the planning, coordination,
implementation and conduct of programs and activities in the
celebration of Philippine Independence Day 2003.
Sec. 2. All departments, bureaus, offices,
national government agencies, local government units and
government-owned and controlled corporations are hereby enjoined to
give full support, assistance and cooperation to the Secretary of
Tourism in the exercise of his responsibilities under this Order.
Sec. 3. All branches of government are enjoined to
participate in the Independence Day Celebration as well as to enlist
the participation of the private sector groups and the non-government
organizations so that the 105th Philippine Independence Day celebration
will be a show of unity and strength during these challenging
times.
Local government units together with the private sector and the NGOs
are likewise enjoined to celebrate Philippine Independence Day in their
respective localities.
Sec. 4. The programs and events for the Philippine
Independence Day celebration shall include, to the extent appropriate,
the following:
a.
Pambansang Araw ng Watawat (Philippine National Flag Day) on May 28 as
the kick-off ceremony for the two week Pagdiriwang ng Malayang Filipino
(Philippine Independence Day Festival) to be conducted from May 28 to
June 12, 2003.
b. Raising of
the national flag and wreath-laying at the Rizal monument in the Rizal
Park on June 12, 2003 at about 7:00 in the morning.
This activity shall be
replicated in places of national historical significance such as the
Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan; Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit,
Cavite; the Bonifacio Monument in Kalookan City; Mausoleo de los
Veteranos de la Revolucion at the Manila North Cemetery and at the
Pinaglabanan Shrine in San Juan, Metro Manila.
All other cities and
municipalities around the country are enjoined to simultaneously hold
similar activities on the same day and time.
c. The
Philippine Independence Day Parade at the Quirino Grandstand in the
afternoon of June 12 which shall be made meaningful, and relevant to
the theme of the celebration, to be followed by a special cultural
program and a fireworks display in the evening.
Sec. 5. In support of the 105th Philippine
Independence Day celebration, all concerned government agencies and
local government units are, subject to budgetary laws and issuances,
authorized to allocate such amounts as may be necessary to defray
expenses for said event.
Sec. 6. The release of TEN MILLION PESOS
(P10,000,000.00) chargeable against the President's Contingent Fund for
FY 2003 is hereby authorized to carry out the provisions of this
Administrative Order.
Fund augmentation thereon, as may be necessary, shall be sourced from
any of the regular items in the 2003 General Appropriations Act or from
such other sources as may be determined by the Department of Budget and
Management.
Sec. 7. This Administrative Order shall take
effect immediately.
DONE, in the City of Manila,
this 17th day of May, in the year of Our Lord, two thousand three.
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