Proclamation No. 682, s. 2004

MALACANANG Manila

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES PROCLAMATION NO. 682

DECLARING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2004 AND EVERY YEAR THEREAFTER AS "SOCIAL SECURITY MONTH”

WHEREAS, on September 1, 1957, the Social Security Act of 1954 was signed into law, marking a significant milestone in the efforts of the Philippine government to institute a mechanism for providing social security to the Filipino people;

WHEREAS, on September 1, 2004, the Social Security System (SSS) shall celebrate its a7 anniversary as the lead institution in administering social security programs and protection to workers in the private sector, informal sector, overseas contract workers, and self-employed individuals;

WHEREAS, it is in the national interest to stimulate public awareness on the matters and issues involving social security protection and to encourage every citizen to take personal responsibility in uplifting their economic and social conditions through their active membership in the SSS;

WHEREAS, there is a need to highlight the role of the SSS in developing and promoting a viable, universal and equitable social security protection scheme through world-class service;

WHEREAS, the activities or programs initiated to mark the celebration of the milestones achieved by the SSS in realization of its mandate, to promote the importance of membership in the SSS, and to publicize the programs and benefits available to SSS members, and the role of SSS in nation building, may be most effectively implemented in a one-month period dedicated for these activities.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare the month of September 2004 and every year thereafter as "Social Security Month”.

All departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the national government, local government units, government-owned and_ controlled SSepOEDICTE government financing institutions, as well as the mass media and

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the entire citizenry are hereby enjoined to extend their whole-hearted support

and cooperation by conducting specific programs necessary to effect this order in coordination with the Social Security System.

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 O4thday of August,

, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Four.

By the President:

CI 1924

ALBERTO G. ROMULO Executive Secretary

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