WHEREAS, Presidential Proclamation No. 47 signed on the 14th day of November 1998 declared the second day of Saturday of November every year a National Day of Prayer and Fasting for National Strength and Unity against all Adversities;

WHEREAS, the second Saturday of November for the year 2000 falls on the 11th of November; and

WHEREAS, to ensure the successful observance of this day, there is a need to create a special committee to take charge of the planning and execution of the activities for said date and to declare 11th November 2000 as a Special Public Holiday;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare the 11th day of November 2000 as a special Public Holiday, to allow everyone to solemnly observe this Special Day for Prayer and Fasting for National Strength and Unity against all Adversities.

There is also hereby created a special Committee to formulate plans and devise ways and means for the successful execution of appropriate activities and ceremonies for the observance of the National Day of the Prayer and Fasting for National Strength and Unity Against All Adversities.  The Committee shall be composed of the following:

Sec. Alfredo S. Lim, Department of Interior and Local Government	- Chairman
Sec. Ramon B. Cardenas, Head, PMS and Senior Deputy Executive Secretary	- Vice Chairman
Sec. Artemio G. Tuquero, Department of Justice	- Member
Press Sec. Ricardo Puno, Jr.	- Member
Exec. Director Acmad M. Tomawis, Office on Muslim Affairs	- Member

The Chairman and Vice Chairman are authorized to request all national and local government offices and agencies to assist in the discharge of the Committee ™s functions and duties and to designate such personnel as they may require for the purpose.

All our people are requested, in the company of their loved ones, in their churches and in their homes, to fast and to observe moments of prayer for peace, for continuing strength in the midst of adversities, and for the alleviation of the plight of those who have suffered in these adversities, in such appropriate activities and ceremonies to be organized by the Special Committee in the Quirino Grandstand, Luneta, Manila.

All national and local publications and television and radio stations are requested to participate in generating awareness and disseminating information on the themes and activities in relation to this National Day of Prayer and Fasting for National Strength and Unity Amidst All Adversities.

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

DONE in the City of Manila, this 12th day of October in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand.


By the President:

RAMON B. ZAMORA
Executive Secretary