Proclamation No. 1764, s. 2009

al MALACANANG

MANILA

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

PROCLAMATION NQ. 1764

NATIONAL DAY OF CELEBRATION TO HONOR BOXING LEGEND MANNY PACQUIAO

WHEREAS, on May 3, 2009 (Manila Time), Manny Pacquiao wrestled the International Boxing Organization’s (IBO) junior welterweight (140 Ibs.) title from Ricky Hatton in their bout at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A.;

WHEREAS, this latest victory is his fifth (5) world title in different weight civisions as he has previously won World Boxing Council’s (WBC) flyweight (112 lbs.), International Boxing Federation's (IBF) super-bantamweight (122 |bs.), WBC’s super-featherweight (130 ibs.), and WBC's lightweight (135 lbs.) championship crowns, in addition to garnering Ring Magazine’s featherweight (126 lbs.) title and defeating the legendary Oscar de !a Hoya in a 147 Ibs. non-title duel last year, for which he deservedly earned the title “Best Pound for Pound Boxer in the World”:

WHEREAS, his spectacular victories show the world the best in the Filipino, and that his determination and love of God and country exemplify the indomitable Filipino spirit;

WHEREAS, his life and victories inspire the Filipinos to have resiliency and dedication to triumph against all odds; and

WHEREAS,’ as a nation’s expression of gratitude for bringing worldwide acclaim for the country, it is befitting that a national day of celebration is held to honor him.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, EDUARDO R. ERMITA, Executive Secretary, by authority of Her Excellency, President GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO, do hereby declare May 8, 2009 as a National Day of Celebration to honor boxing legend Manny Pacquiao.

For this celebration, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is hereby tasked to lead the appropriate activities in Metro Manila, while the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) shall coordinate the appropriate activities in other parts of the

country. The MMDA and the DILG may call upon all other agencies to extend all the necessary assistance and support for a successful celebration of Manny Pacquiao’s victory.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, | 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 th day of May in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand and Nine. ,

By authority of the President:

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EDUARDO R. ERMITA Executive Secretary

Senior Deputy Executive Secretary