WHEREAS, the problem of rehabilitating the physical capacities of aged persons is a national concern;

WHEREAS, the neglect of our retired and aging citizens has brought about the feeling of rejection, loneliness, lack of usefulness, insecurity among them many of whom have turned to begging, thus aggravating the mendicancy problems in this country;

WHEREAS, there is wealth of knowledge and experience neglected and abandoned among our retired and aged persons who, properly rehabilitated medically, economically, and psychologically, can still contribute effectively to our task of nation-building;

WHEREAS, the Philippine Federation of Private Medical Practitioners has taken the initiative to provide for the care, treatment, and rehabilitation of aged persons and proposes to establish a Geriatrics Center for this purpose;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Diosdado Macapagal, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby authorize the Philippine Federation of Private Medical Practitioners, to conduct a national educational and fund campaign from March 15 to April 30, 1962, to raise sufficient funds to finance the establishment and operation of a Geriatrics Center. I call upon all citizens and residents of the Philippines, regardless of nationality, race, or creed, to assist in this noble and humanitarian campaign by giving generously of their means so that this venture may be carried out successfully. I authorize government officials and employees to participate in this drive and contribute to the realization of its goal.

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 13th day of March, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and sixty-two, and of the Independence of the Philippines, the sixteenth.

DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL
President of the Philippines

By the President:

AMELITO R. MUTUC
Executive Secretary