WHEREAS, Friday, 5 August 2016, marks the 126^th birth anniversary of the late Jose Avelino;

WHEREAS, Jose Avelino, former Senate President, was known as the "Father of the Philippines Workmen's Compensation Law" and was instrumental in the passage of significant legislation and the implementation of programs and policies that especially benefitd the people of Northern Samar, Eastern Samar and Western Samar;

WHEREAS, it is but fitting and proper that the people of Northern Samar, Eastern Samar and Westeren Samar be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SALVADOR C. MEDIALDEA,  Executive Secretary, by authority of the President, RODRIGO R. DUTERTE, do hereby declare Friday, 5 August 2016, as a special (non-working) day in Northern Samar, Eastern Samar and Western Samar.

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 12th day of July, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Sixteen.