[ PROCLAMATION NO. 1365, August 28, 2007 ]

DECLARING THE THIRD WEEK OF SEPTEMBER OF EVERY YEAR AS CHEMICAL ENGINEERING WEEK



WHEREAS, it is policy of the State to supervise and regulate the practice of chemical engineering to ensure that our chemical engineers are world class, internationally recognized, and globally competitive;

WHEREAS, R.A. No. 9297, known as the "Chemical Engineering Law of 2004" repealed R.A. No. 318 to cope up with modern technology and global trends and development related to the scope of practice of chemical engineering in the management and operation of industrial plants and manufacturing industries in research, and in the academe;

WHEREAS, there is a need to recognize significant contributions in the field of chemical engineering as well as to create public awareness on the critical role of chemical engineers as vital nation-builders in the promotion and upgrading of scientific and technological capability of the country; and

WHEREAS, it is imperative to enhance public consciousness in order to raise the level of technical and ethical proficiency and standards in the practice of this profession throughout the country to ensure excellent, qualitative, and credible chemical engineering services for the safety protection, and satisfaction of the users of the chemical engineers professional services.

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 third week of September of every year as Chemical Engineering Week.

The Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers, Inc. (PIChe), the national organization of chemical engineers duly accredited and recognized by the Board of Chemical Engineering and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) shall lead in the nationwide observance of Chemical Engineering Week. All government agencies, particularly the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) are enjoined to network and collaborate with the PRC, the Board of Chemical Engineering, and the PIChE in initiating and implementing programs and activities to generate awareness and public support in promoting the observance of Chemical Engineering Week in various government offices, schools, colleges, universities, local government units and business establishments.

National and local publications and televisions and radio stations are likewise enjoined to help generate awareness and public support for activities promoting chemical engineering education and practice as a critical component in the country's economic development program.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines.

Done in the City of Manila, this 28th day of August, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Seven.

(Sgd.) GLORIA M. ARROYO

By the President:

(Sgd.) EDUARDO R. ERMITA
Executive Secretary