Proclamation No. 396




MALACAÑAN PALACE MANILA BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES [ PROCLAMATION NO. 396, November 07, 2023 ] DECLARING THE YEARS BEGINNING 2023 THROUGH 2033 AS THE "DEKADA NG KASAYSAYAN NG PILIPINAS" WHEREAS, Section 15, Article XIV of the Constitution provides that the State shall conserve, promote and popularize the nation's historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as its artistic creations; WHEREAS, Section 2 of Republic Act (RA) No. 10086 or the "Strengthening Peoples' Nationalism Through Philippine History Act," provides that the State shall provide the means to strengthen the Filipino people's nationalism, love of country, respect for its heroes and pride for the people's accomplishments, by reinforcing the importance of Philippine national and local history in daily life, with the end in view of raising social consciousness; WHEREAS, on 23 October 1933, Executive Order No. 451 (s. 1933) was issued, creating the Philippine Historical Research and Markers Committee (PHRMC), a body in charge of identifying, designating and marking cultural and historical antiquities in the Philippines and preserving them for posterity; WHEREAS, various Presidential issuances were promulgated over the years in response to the need for a historical body with broader functions, and in 2010, by virtue of RA No. 10086, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) became an independent government agency responsible for restoration, conservation, and protection of the country's historical objects, as well as the determination of all factual matters relating to official Philippine History; WHEREAS, on 23 October 2023, the NHCP will celebrate its centennial anniversary, marking 100 years since the establishment of its predecessor, the PHRMC; WHEREAS, the Filipino nation greatly values the almost a century of contributions of the dedicated individuals who make up the NHCP, including historians, researchers, curators, architects, engineers, chemists, conservators, artists, planners, managers, and many others, who all work tirelessly to advance historical research, promote the legacy of esteemed Filipino figures through commemorative events, safeguard and restore historic sites, structures, objects, and properties, show reverence for national symbols, and educate the public about their rich history and heritage; and WHEREAS, the Filipino nation joins the NHCP in celebrating this milestone in Philippine bureaucracy and in highlighting the role of history in nation-building; NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR., President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and existing laws, do hereby declare the years beginning 2023 through 2033 as "Dekada ng Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas." For this purpose, the NHCP is directed to lead, coordinate, and supervise the observance of the Dekada ng Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas, and identify the programs, projects and activities for the celebration thereof. All other agencies and instrumentalities of the National Government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, government financial institutions, and state universities and colleges, are hereby enjoined. and all local government units, non-government organizations, as well as the private sector, are hereby encouraged, to render the necessary support and assistance to the NHCP, and to actively participate in the observance of the Dekada ng Kasaysayn ng Pilipinas.1aшphi1 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 7th day of November, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty-Three. (SGD.) FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR. By the President: (SGD.) LUCAS P. BERSAMIN Executive Secretary The Lawphil Project - Arellano Law Foundation