WHEREAS, Section 15, Article XIV of the Constitution states that arts and letters shall enjoy the patronage of the State, and that the State shall conserve, promote, and popularize the Nation ™s historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as artistic creations;

WHEREAS, the Philippine literature, written in different Philippine languages, is associated with the history and cultural legacy of the State, and must be promoted among Filipinos;

WHEREAS, the national literature plays an important role in preserving and inspiring the literature of today and in introducing to future generations the Filipino values that we have inherited from our ancestors;

WHEREAS, the month of April marks the commemoration of the Francisco œBalagtas  Baltazar Day, and the birth and death anniversaries of literary pillars like Emilio Jacinto, Paciano Rizal, Nick Joaquin, Edith Tiempo, and Bienvenido Lumbera;

WHEREAS, international literary celebrations like the International Children ™s Book Day, International Day of the Book or World Book Day, and World Intellectual Property Rights Day are held in April of every year; and

WHEREAS, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and its affiliate agencies, the National Book Development Board, and other concerned stakeholders, support the declaration of the month of April as Buwan ng Panitikang Filipino or National Literature Month.

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 month of April as Buwan ng Panitikang Filipino or National Literature Month.

The NCCA and the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) shall act as lead agencies in the preparation, coordination and implementation of the activities and events relating to the celebration of the National Literature Month.

All departments, agencies, or instrumentalities of the government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations are hereby directed, while non governmental organization and the private sector are encouraged to participate and render assistance to NCCA, the KWF and other concerned agencies.

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 10th day of February, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Fifteen.

(SGD.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III

By the President:

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