WHEREAS, on 26 September 2009, typhoon Ondoy brought upon our country continuous heavy rains that caused flooding, which can be attributed to the continuous deforestation, degradation, and destruction of the Sierra Madre Mountains, in major cities and also took the lives of many of our countrymen and women;

WHEREAS, in view of the need for continuing awareness for and participation in the rehabilitation, reforestation, protection, and conservation of the Sierra Madre Mountains, Proclamation 233 (s. 2011) was issued declaring 26 September 2011 as Save Sierra Madre Day;

WHEREAS, the issuance of a Proclamation declaring 26 September of every year as Save Sierra Madre Day will help boost awareness among the general public on the importance of preserving our forests as well as protecting, managing, and properly utilizing the natural resources of the country; and

WHEREAS, it is proper and fitting to make 26 September of every year as Save Sierra Madre Day to remind our people of the risks and dangers which a lack of concern and action for the Sierra Madre Mountains may bring about.

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

All sectors of society and the government shall join hands in pursuing activities geared toward the conservation of theSierraMadreMountainsand shall plan, prepare, and conduct activities in observance of Save Sierra Madre Day.

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 19 th day of June, in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand and Twelve.

 

(SGD.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
President of the Philippines

By Authority of the President:

(SGD.) PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR.
Executive Secretary