DECLARING THE PERIOD FROM OCTOBER 24 TO 31, 1954, AND EVERY WEEK BEGINNING WITH THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EVERY OCTOBER THEREAFTER AS BARRIO FARMERS’ WEEK

WHEREAS, there are fifteen million Filipinos
living in the rural areas under economic and social conditions which call for
more desirable improvement;

WHEREAS, national progress may be advanced a
great deal by pursuing a program of amelioration operating at the barrio level
and which aims to broaden the opportunities of the people for developing human
and natural resources available in rural areas; and

WHEREAS, it is essential to focus public
attention on the requirements and capacities of our barrios, to foster
rural-mindedness and leadership among the barrio people, and to stimulate
nationwide efforts of self-help towards rural betterment;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ramon Magsaysay, President of
the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare
the period from October 24 to 31, 1954 and every week beginning with the fourth
Sunday of every October thereafter, as Barrio Farmers’ Week and authorize and
direct municipal, provincial and national government officials to make
available their facilities and personnel in the successful prosecution of the
objectives of the Barrio Farmers’ Week, and designate the Department of
Agriculture and Natural Resources to take charge of, and coordinate, all
activities in commemoration of said week. I also urge civic-spirited citizens
and civic organizations to cooperate wholeheartedly to insure the success of
this observance.

Proclamation No. 398, dated June 16, 1953, on
Barrio Improvement Week is hereby repealed.

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 12th day of
October, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and fifty-four, and of the
Independence off the Philippines, the ninth.

RAMON MAGSAYSAY
President of the Philippines

By the President:

FRED RUIZ CASTRO
Executive Secretary