WHEREAS, national progress may be advanced a great deal by pursuing a program of amelioration operating at the barrio level and which aims to broaden the opportunities of the people for developing human and natural resources available in rural areas; and

WHEREAS, it is essential to focus public attention on the requirements and capacities of our barrios, to foster rural-mindedness and leadership among the barrio people, and to stimulate nationwide efforts of self-help towards rural betterment;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ramon Magsaysay, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare the period from October 24 to 31, 1954 and every week beginning with the fourth Sunday of every October thereafter, as Barrio Farmers ™ Week and authorize and direct municipal, provincial and national government officials to make available their facilities and personnel in the successful prosecution of the objectives of the Barrio Farmers ™ Week, and designate the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources to take charge of, and coordinate, all activities in commemoration of said week. I also urge civic-spirited citizens and civic organizations to cooperate wholeheartedly to insure the success of this observance.

Proclamation No. 398, dated June 16, 1953, on Barrio Improvement Week is hereby repealed.

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 12th day of October, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and fifty-four, and of the Independence off the Philippines, the ninth.

RAMON MAGSAYSAY
President of the Philippines

By the President:

FRED RUIZ CASTRO
Executive Secretary