WHEREAS, it is the policy of the state to prioritize the needs of the underprivileged sick, elderly, disabled, women and children (Art. XIII, Section II, 1986 Philippine Constitution);

WHEREAS, the Republic of the Philippines recognizes the right of the physically challenged to special care, education, training and job opportunities to help them enjoy full and decent lives and dignity and achieve the greatest degree of self-reliance and social integration possible. (Art. 23, Paragraph I, The U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child);

WHEREAS, it is estimated that there are at least 8,000 to 10,000 Filipinos with hemophilia all over the Archipelago who are invariably suffering from genetic, mental, psychological and physical disabilities;

WHEREAS, as of the year 2006 only about 1,000 or 10% of Filipinos with hemophilia have been identified so far and over 9,000 remain unidentified and presumed untreated;

WHEREAS, of these 1,000 Filipino identified with hemophilia, less than 10% of them received adequate treatment;

WHEREAS, many of these Filipinos with hemophilia have become disabled simply because they have no means of paying the exorbitant cost of medicine such as blood, plasma, cryoprecipitate, cryosupernate and Factor Concentrate and other therapeutic products;

WHEREAS, Filipinos with hemophilia deserve the dignity and respect from everyone and need the States mantle of protection against abuse, violence public indifference and discrimination;

WHEREAS, nationwide awareness of hemophilia in the country will immensely help in educating the public that Filipinos with hemophilia deserve to live normal lives;

WHEREAS, it is imperative that government agencies support the efforts of the private sector in such activities.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare the month of April 2008 and every year thereafter as the "National Hemophilia Awareness Month" and April 17, 2008 and every year thereafter as the "National Hemophilia Day".

For this purpose, the Department of Health (DOH), is hereby designated as lead government agency in collaboration/coordination with the Hemophilia Association of the Philippines for Love and Service (HAPLOS) Foundation, Inc. and the Philippine Hemophilia Foundation.

The Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Finance (DOF), the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), PhilHeaith, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), all government hospitals, and other related government agencies and appropriate Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) are enjoined to extend their utmost support and cooperation in the commemoration of this event.

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 April in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Eight.


By the President:

(Sgd.) EDUARDO R. ERMITA
Executive Secretary