Proclamation No. 230, s. 2002

MALACANANG Manila men 10S

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES PROCLAMATION NO. 230

DECLARING THE FIRST WEEK OF SEPTEMBER OF EVERY YEAR AS “NATIONAL EPILEPSY AWARENESS WEEK”

WHEREAS, epilepsy is a common serious chronic brain disorder in every country affecting some 50 million people world-wide of all ages;

WHEREAS, an estimated 750,000 Filipinos are affected with this condition;

WHEREAS, lack of awareness and understanding about epilepsy leads to mis- conceptions, social stigma and hinders access to effective treatment;

WHEREAS, epilepsy can have serious medical consequences and is both an economic and social burden;

WHEREAS, epilepsy is treatable, and that majority of persons with epilepsy can lead normal lives and be productive citizens, and thus contribute to a better Philippines for all;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare the first week of September of every year as “National Epilepsy Awareness Week” under the auspices of the Philippine League Against Epilepsy, Inc..

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 (2! day of Auge , in the year of Our Lord, two thousand and two.

By the President: = C9 be

ALBERTO G. ROMULO Executive Secretary i |

ol EA NINN 13624

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