WHEREAS, the 1987 Constitution protects and guarantees a person's right to privacy, which includes the privacy of communication and correspondence;

WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 10173, otherwise known as the "Data Privacy Act of 2012," declares as a State policy the protection of the fundamental human right of privacy of communication while ensuring the free flow of information to promote innovation and growth;

WHEREAS, the State recognizes the vital role of information and communications technology in nation-building and its inherent obligation to ensure that personal information in information and communications systems in the government and in the private sector are secured and protected; and

WHEREAS, there is a need to inform and educate the public about data privacy, data protection, and fair information rights and responsibilities as part of reinforcing the efforts of the National Privacy Commission in protecting personal data and ensuring the Philippines' compliance with international standards for data protection;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and existing laws, do hereby declare the last week of May of every year as "National Data Privacy Awareness Week."

The National Privacy Commission shall lead the above celebration. All departments, bureaus and agencies of the national government, including government-owned or - controlled corporations, and state universities and colleges, are hereby directed, and local government units and the private sector are encouraged, to participate and assist in the activities of the celebration.

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 3rd day of July , in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Eighteen.

(SGD.) RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE

By the President:

(SGD.) SALVADOR C. MEDIALDEA
Executive Secretary