Proclamation No. 222, s. 2002

MALACANANG

Manila

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES PROCLAMATION NO. 222

DECLARING THE LAST WEEK OF JULY OF EVERY YEAR AS NATIONAL ABACA WEEK

WHEREAS, abaca (Musa textilis nee) is indigenous to the Philippines and is one fiber that has made the Philippines known all over the world;

WHEREAS, abaca is a traditional export commodity generating much needed foreign exchange revenues and is one of the major sources of employment especially in the countryside;

WHEREAS, the Philippines is the world’s biggest producer ef abaca ) fiber supplying 85% of the global requirement;

WHEREAS, abaca is acknowledged the world over as the best

material for cordage and various specialty paper products such as paper currency;

WHEREAS, the observance of a National Abaca Week will help promote, enhance and instill nationwide awareness and appreciation of the importance and value of this truly Filipino fiber to the Philippines and the national economy;

NOW, THEREFORE, I1, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law,

do hereby declare the last week of July of every year as National Abaca Week.

All departments, agencies and instrumentalities of the national and local government, the private sector, and the public at large are hereby enjoined to actively support the activities and programs for the National Abaca Week.

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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 igh day of July, in the year of Our Lord, two thousand and two.

By the President:

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ALBERTO G. ROMULO Executive Secretary

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