THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE PEPUBLIC ) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
1 
(I‘ s. No. 
- 
Introduced by Senator Luisa “Loi” P. Ejercito Estrada 
The Philippine tradition of honoring mothers commenced in 1921 when the Ilocos 
Women’s Club initiated its first activity. In 1936, upon the declaration of President Manuel L. 
Quezon, “Mother’s Day” celebration became a nationwide yearly affair every first Monday of 
December. The former Bureau of Education took the lead in commemorating this affair. . 
One could still remember when schoolchildren would do a spray of pink “cadena de 
amof’ to honor their mothers and white “cadena de amor” would be worn by children whose 
mothers were deceased. Schoolchildren held programs and performed activities such as recitation 
of poems, dedicated to their mothers. 
During the time of President Ferdinand 
cos, 
he issued an Executive Order 
reaffirming the celebration of this event. However, in 1987, President Corazon Aquino changed 
the date of “Mother’s Day” celebration to May 5 reportedly upon the suggestion of some 
business establishments. The change was allegedly made to drum up business during the usually 
slack season from March to May and was calculated to make our celebration coincide with the 
American date of celebrating “Mother’s Day.” 
It is quite depressing to note that the original Philippine tradition of celebrating 
“Mother’s Day” had to give into the demands of business interests. Worst is the fact that the 
date was patterned aRer the “Mother’s Day” celebration of another country. 
With this, it is but proper that we bring back our own and distinct historical way of 
celebrating “Mother’s Day.” It is in this light that this measure is being proposed. 
Approval of this bill is therefore earnestly sought, 
L 
JERCITO ESTRADA 
Senator 
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s. No. 
Introduced by Senator Luisa  LO^" P. Ejercito Estrada 
DECLARlING THE FWST MONDAY 
DAY” AND PO OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and WOUSQ 
of Represen 
assembled 
1. Short Title. -- This Act shall be known as the “Mother’s Day” Act: 
’ 
SEC. 2. Declaration OfPoZZcv. - The State recognizes the vital rule of mothers in the 
foundation of family life. The natural and primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of 
youth for civic efficiency and the development of moral character shall receive support from the 
government. 
EC. 3. The first Monday of December is hereby declared as “Mother’s Day.” 
. Lend Agencv. - In the observance of this yearly occasion, the Department of 
Education and the Department of Interior and Local Government shall conduct commemorative 
activities as a national token of recognition for mothers and motherhood. 
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SEC.5. 
Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Education, 
Culture and Sports in coordination with the Department of Interior and Local Government shall 
promulgate the rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act within sixty 
(60) days from its approval. 
SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. - Any decrees, rules and regulations which is inconsistent 
with or contrary to the provisions of this Act is hereby amended or repealed accordingly. 
EC. 7.. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fiReen (15) days afier its complete 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
'. . 
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