WHEREAS, it is a policy of the state enunciated in the Constitution that the government shall aid and encourage development of the moral character and spiritual foundation of the Filipino people;

WHEREAS, certain activities pursued in the exercise of religious freedom contribute to the attainment of this goal which should receive the encouragement and support of the government upon the condition that all religious denominations of whatever persuasion shall be accorded the same privileges and opportunities;

WHEREAS, the Holy Bible is recognized by both Christians and non-Christians alike as an excellent source of life-giving principles to develop a values-oriented, morally strong and socially responsible citizenry;

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that national attention be focused on the importance of reading and studying the Bible in molding the spiritual, moral and social fiber of our citizenry;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FIDEL V. RAMOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare the last week of January of every year as National Bible Week.

This supersedes Proclamation No. 44, dated November 21, 1986.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.

Adopted: 26 Aug. 1997

	(SGD.) FIDEL V. RAMOS
	President of the Philippines

BY THE PRESIDENT:

(SGD.) RUBEN D. TORRES
Executive Secretary