WHEREAS, the Red Cross is among the most valued human institutions, having as its objective the achievement of peace and order among men and nations through the mitigation of suffering, prevention of diseases, and promotion of health;

WHEREAS, the International Red Cross will mark the centenary of its foundation during the year 1963, completing 100 years since the institution of the Geneva Convention in 1863;

WHEREAS, the Republic of the Philippines is a signatory to the Geneva Conventions and has established the Phillippine National Red Cross to carry out the obligations it acquired upon accession to said conventions; and

WHEREAS, the Reel Cross Centenary is of extreme significance considering the vital position the Red Cross occupies in the life and well-being of our country and people.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Diosdado Macapagal, President of the Philippines, do hereby declare that the year 1963, from the first day of January to the last day of December, be observed in the Philippines as Red Cross Centenary Year.

I enjoin all citizens and residents of this country, irrespective of nationality, race, or creed, to extend to the authorities concerned their best efforts and wholehearted cooperation to insure the successful celebration of the Red Cross Centenary.

I authorize all government officials and school authorities, on the national, provincial, city, municipal, and barrio levels, to accept responsibilities, take the initiative, and assume leadership in the observance of the Red Cross Centenary.

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 29th day of June, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and sixty-two.

DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL
President of the Philippines

By the President:

AMELITO R. MUTUC
Executive Secretary