WHEREAS, there exists the millennium bug or the Year 2000 (Y2K) problem arising from using two digits instead of four digits to show the year in computer systems and applications, and which at the turn of the century will show 00 for the year 2000 and be interpreted as year 1900;

WHEREAS, the millennium bug or the Y2K problem will create serious problems inherent in computer software and hardware systems; and

WHEREAS, there is a need for all government agencies and offices to identify all critical application systems affected by the year 2000 date change and to undertake precautionary and corrective measures to ensure the internal readiness of computer systems and applications.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH E. ESTRADA, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

SECTION 1.       All government departments, agencies, government-owned and/or controlled corporations, state colleges and universities, and other government instrumentalities to make all their computer-based information systems Y2K compliant on or before 21 December 1998. As such, these entitles are enjoined to:

a)         Conduct a comprehensive audit of their respective computer systems and applications to determine their internal readiness for the Year 2000;

b)         Assess the Y2K impact in case the problem persists;

c)         Undertake all necessary precautionary and corrective measures to ensure internal readiness of all their computer systems and computer applications, in coordination with the National Computer Center; and

d)         Submit a status report on the matter to the Office of the President, through the National Computer Center and the Presidential Management Staff.

SECTION 2.       This Memorandum Circular shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 31 July 1998

(SGD.) JOSEPH E. ESTRADA
President

By the President:

(SGD.) RONALDO B. ZAMORA
Executive Secretary