DECLARING THE SECOND WEEK OF MARCH OF EVERY YEAR AS PHILIPPINE FOREIGN TRADE WEEK

WHEREAS, the development of Philippine foreign
trade is a vital factor in the growth and stabilization of the economy of the
country;

WHEREAS, there exists a constant and urgent need
of developing new outlets for Philippine export products and increasing their
sales in the world markets;

WHEREAS, such expansion of the export trade with
a steady and good demand for Philippine products abroad holds the key to the
increase in domestic production and the rapid development of the country’s,
natural resources;

WHEREAS, the supplies of many articles needed for
domestic consumption as well as for agricultural and industrial development
have to be obtained through foreign trade; and

WHEREAS, it is important to stimulate greater
interest in foreign trade among the people and to give encouragement and
promote organization and cooperation among those who are engaged in foreign
trade;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ramon Magsaysay, President of
the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare
the second week of March of every year as Philippine Foreign Trade Week and
enjoin the Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, in cooperation with other
chambers of commerce and. trade associations, to take charge of the observance
thereof, and the business community in general to extend its cooperation in the
appropriate observance of the week.

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 25th day of
January, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and fifty-six, and of the
Independence of the Philippines, the tenth.

RAMON MAGSAYSAY
President of the Philippines

By the President:
FORTUNATO DE LEON
Acting Executive Secretary