Memorandum Order No. 131, issued on January 20, 2004, designates the Secretary of National Defense to lead the observance of Araw ng Kagitingan and Philippine Veterans Week in 2004. Araw ng Kagitingan, celebrated on April 9, is a regular holiday honoring the valor of war veterans, while Philippine Veterans Week runs from April 5 to 11, aimed at promoting patriotism and remembrance of veterans' contributions. The Secretary is authorized to enlist support from government agencies and private organizations to ensure successful commemorations. Additionally, a budget of two million pesos is allocated from the President's Contingent Fund to facilitate the observance.
January 20, 2004
MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 131
DIRECTING THE SECRETARY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE TO LEAD THE 2004 OBSERVANCE OF ARAW NG KAGITINGAN AND THE PHILIPPINE VETERANS WEEK
WHEREAS, Executive Order No. 203, s. 1987, declared April 9 of every year as a regular holiday for the celebration of Araw ng Kagitingan; aDSHCc
WHEREAS, Proclamation No. 466, s. 1989, designated the period from April 5 to 11 of every year as Philippine Veterans Week in order to promote, preserve and memorialize the principles, ideals and deeds of our war veterans as a means to enhance patriotism and love of country, especially among youth of the land;
WHEREAS, it is important that the said events be observed with appropriate and meaningful activities. CDTAbench
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 National Defense shall lead the observance of the 2004 Araw ng Kagitingan and Philippine Veterans week.
SECTION 2. The Secretary of National Defense may call on any agency or instrumentality of the government, including government-owned and controlled corporations, and to invite any private individual or non-government organization for assistance as he may need in the discharge of his functions for the duration of the celebration. All such government agencies and private individuals or organizations are enjoined to cooperate with the Secretary of National Defense to ensure success in the commemoration of these two important events.
SECTION 3. The release of TWO MILLION PESOS (P2,000,000.00) chargeable against the President's Contingent Fund for FY 2004 is hereby authorized to carry out the provisions of the Memorandum Order. Any deficiency shall be charged against the regular budget of the participating agencies.
DONE in the City of Manila, this 20th day of January, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Four.