WHEREAS, the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines provides for patronage of arts and letters by the State;

WHEREAS, the category of National Artist was created under Proclamation No. 1001 (s. 1972);

WHEREAS, preeminent achievements that have enhanced the cultural heritage of the Filipino people deserve the recognition and acknowledgment of our Government in pursuit of its policy of preserving and developing the Filipino culture and a national identity; and,

WHEREAS, the works and achievements of National Artist for Architecture, Design and Allied Arts (Fashion Design), Ramon Valera, are reflective of this preeminent excellence and of the national genius that contributed to the national heritage of the Philippines and the world.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and existing taws, upon the recommendation of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), do hereby declare the period of 31 August 2012 to 30 August 2013 as the Centennial Year of the National Artist for Architecture, Design and Allied Arts (Fashion Design), Ramon Valera, and enjoin the NCCA and CCP to be the lead agency for the celebration of his centennial birthday in coordination with other government agencies to propagate his works.

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 21st day of November in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Eleven

	(Sgd.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
By authority of the President:
(Sgd.) PAQUITO N. OCHOA JR.
Executive Secretary