WHEREAS, July 4, 1951, commemorates five years of independence of the Philippines as a separate and self-governing nation;

WHEREAS, we have achieved much in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of our country during these five years, developing our agriculture, increasing our commerce and industry, improving our conditions of health and education, promoting our social progress and internal security, assuming with dignity the obligations of self-government, and conducting with statesmanship our relations with other nations; and

WHEREAS, large groups of our citizens have expressed the desire to celebrate Independence Day this year in a fashion that will awaken the full consciousness of the nation to these accomplishments and will give us inspiration and strength to accomplish still greater achievements in the future;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Elpidio Quirino, President of the Philippines do hereby declare the period from. July 4 to July 10, 1951, as Fifth Anniversary Week to be celebrated by all citizens of the country, and I urge upon all public spirited organizations to collaborate in assaying the full force of our achievements; to cooperate in demonstrating them for all to see and take pride in, and to unite as a single family in planning and embarking upon new endeavors. I call upon the governors of the provinces and the mayors of all cities, municipalities and municipal districts to assist in carrying out the objectives of the Fifth Anniversary Week celebration. And I also call upon the churches, of whatever creed, to hold services in thanksgiving to God for the blessings He has bestowed upon us, and to conduct prayers for our country ™s continued prosperity and growth and for the strengthening of faith that should in the days to come uplift the spirit of our people.

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 Basilan, this 20th day of May, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and fifty-one, and of the Independence of the Philippines, the fifth.

ELPIDIO QURINO
President of the Philippines

By the President:
MARCIANO ROQUE
Acting Assistant Executive Secretary