Proclamation No. 809, s. 2005

Plalacatiang Manila

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

PROCLAMATION NO. 809

DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF PAETE, PROVINCE OF LAGUNA, AS THE “CARVING CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES”

WHEREAS, the Municipality of Paete, Province of Laguna, derives its name from the old Tagalog word “paet", meaning chisel, a basic tool for carving, carpentry and woodworking;

WHEREAS, over the century, Paete and carving have co-existed and its artisans have produced countless statuaries, architectural embellishments and souvenirs that are known not only in the country but also in other parts of the world;

WHEREAS, artisans from Paete have, of late, also been known for their prize- winning entries on sculpted ice and butter which have earned honors in international competitions in the hotel industry;

WHEREAS, Paete is located in the fourth district of Laguna, which is part of a heritage cluster of attractions for international and domestic visitors due to the concentration of art shops, craft houses and historical churches;

WHEREAS, there is a need to continue to strengthen Paete’s carving industry in order to promote the region as a prime tourist and trading destination in the country;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare the Municipality of Paete, Province of Laguna, as the “Carving Capital of the Philippines”.

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 #8 day of March, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Five.

By the President: //

EDUARDO R. ERMITA Executive Secretary

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