WHEREAS, on September 26, 2009, typhoon œOndoy  brought upon our country continuous heavy rains that caused flooding in major cities and also took the lives of many of our countrymen;

WHEREAS, most of the flooding can be attributed to the continuous deforestation of the Sierra Madre Mountains;

WHEREAS, there is a need for more awareness and participation for the rehabilitation, reforestation, protection and conservation of the Sierra Madre Mountains;

WHEREAS, the issuance of a Presidential proclamation declaring œSave Sierra Madre Day  will help boost awareness among the general public on the importance of preserving the forest as well as protecting the natural resources of the country;

WHEREAS, September 26 would be a fitting day to celebrate the event as it is the same day the horrific typhoon œOndoy  devastated the country.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare September 26, 2011 as œSave Sierra Madre Day. 

DONE in the City of Manila, this 10th day of August, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Eleven.

	By authority of the President:
	(Sgd.) PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR.
	Executive Secretary