WHEREAS, the promotion and institution of peace building processes among the different government entities requires the support of the different sectors of the general public, and public awareness must be strongly pursued if only to achieve long-term successes towards lasting peace in the country;

WHEREAS, to achieve these ends, there is a need to focus on continuing education in peace-building, and to set aside a period for its promotion;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

SECTION 1. The month of September 2008 is hereby declared as "Peace Building Month".

SECTION 2. All government offices, non-government organizations, business organizations, civic society, and other sectors of society, are hereby enjoined to conduct peace building activities for the month of September 2008, which may be in the form of posting of streamers with peace as a theme, film showing, games, seminars, art contests, peace concerts, and the like, to celebrate and promote to the general public the essence of peace/peace building process and its positive impact in the country.

SECTION 3. The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) shall take the lead in the implementation of this Proclamation.

SECTION 4. If any provision of this Proclamation is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 5. This issuance shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 20th day of AUGUST, in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand and Eight.


By the President:

(Sgd.) EDUARDO R. ERMITA
Executive Secretary