WHEREAS, Msgr. Alberto Van Overbeke, Belgian, has manifested his desire to become a Philippine citizen;

WHEREAS, Msgr. Van Overbeke, Bishop-Prelate of Bayombong, Nueva Viscaya, an account of his love and concern for his fellowmen, irrespective of rank, race or social standing, has shown deep interest in cultural undertakings and involved himself in various reforms programs of the Philippine government;

WHEREAS, he has mingled socially with the Filipino people, embraced their customs, traditions and ideals, and learned to speak one of the Philippine dialects; and

WHEREAS, by virtue of his long and invaluable service to the Filipino people, Msgr. Van Overbeke has proven himself worthy of all the rights, privileges and prerogatives of a citizen of this country;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby grant Philippine Citizenship to Msgr. Alberto Van Overbeke, Bishop-Prelate, with all the rights, privileges and prerogatives appurtenant thereto.

This Decree is made part of the law of the land and shall take effect immediately.

Done in the City of Manila, this 22nd day of November, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and seventy-four.