DECLARING THE PERIOD FROM JUNE 28 TO JULY 4 OF EVERY YEAR AS INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY WEEK

WHEREAS, since the proclamation and inauguration
of the Republic of the Philippines on July 4, 1946, we have acted in the fine
traditions of democracy and freedom, proving ourselves worthy of our
independence; and

WHEREAS, it is but natural that we rejoice at the
blessings of independence without forgetting our responsibilities free and
sovereign nation;

Now, THEREFORE, I, Ramon Magsaysay, President of
the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare
starting this year the period from June 28 to July 4 of every year as
Independence Anniversary Week, during which I enjoin all our people to ponder
the significance of our independence to the end that we shall always be worthy
of it. The National Committee created in Administrative Order No. 26 dated May
19, 1954, and all succeeding national anniversary committees to be created
thereafter shall take charge of, and coordinate, the activities in celebration
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 twenty-sixth day
of May, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and fifty-four, and of the
Independence of the Philippines, the eighth.

(SGD.) RAMON MAGSAYSAY
President of the Philippines

By the President:

(SGD.) FRED RUIZ CASTRO
Executive Secretary