WHEREAS, the Chamber Movement in the Philippines started in 1903 with the organization of the Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines to act as an advocate of trade and commerce;

WHEREAS, this was followed by the formation of the Philippine Chamber of Industry in 1950 to represent the interest and growing concerns of the industry in light of the changing business environment;

WHEREAS, these two (2) organizations merged in 1978 to give birth to a single, unified private sector organization called the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry;

WHEREAS, this year marks the 100th year of existence of Filipino Chambers in the country;

WHEREAS, in recognizing the significant role of chambers in promoting volunteerism among the business community towards achieving our-common goal of sustainable and equitable economic growth and development, there is a need to declare the year 2003 as the "Year of the Chamber Movement".

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare the year 2003 as the "Year of the Chamber Movement".

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 June, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Three


By the President:

(Sgd.) ALBERTO G. ROMULO
Executive Secretary