REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

945

House Bill No.

Introduced by MAGDALO Party List RepresentativesFranciscoAshley-L., Acedillo
and Gary C. Alejano

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The freedom, peace, security and relief that citizens of our beloved land enjoy today are the
direct results of the sacrifices and the continued vigilance of the members of our Armed Forces
who have swom to protect the people and the State with their lives. The Armed Forces of the
Philippines traces its roots back to the Tejeros Convention in 1987 where the revolutionary
government of General Emilio Aguinaldo created the Philippine Army under Captain General
‘Artemio Ricarte. This Army was the offshoot of the Revolutionary Forces, who nobly and
sacrificially took arms against the Spanish government from August 30, 1896 up to December
10, 1898 when the treaty of Paris was entered into by the United States of America and Spain.

It is in this light that this bill seeks to officially recognize these men and women who, for more
than a century, have selflessly protected the country’s sovereignty, by declaring the last full week
of August as National Military Appreciation Week.

This very important week honors and remembers all military personnel — the men and women
who have served throughout our history, and all those on active duty in all branches of the
service, including retirees, veterans and all of their families.

Observance of events recognizing the contributions of service men and women is a tangible and
highly effective way of expressing patriotism through public appreciation for sacrifices already
made and to come, and for sustaining morale for past and present service members, and for their
families, as well. Planning and delivery of appropriate events by national and local government,
educational institutions, civic and service organizations, veterans and military organizations,
business and industry, the media and religious institutions are encouraged.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this measure is earnestly sought.

ISCO. ASHLEY L. ACEDILLO "ARY C. ALEJANO


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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

945

House Bill No.

Introduced by MAGDALO Party List Representatives Francisco Ashley L. Acedillo
and Gary C. Alejano

AN ACT
DECLARING THE LAST FULL WEEK OF AUGUST AS NATIONAL MILITARY
APPRECIATION WEEK

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “National Military

Appreciation Week Act of 2013.”

SEC. 2. Military Appreciation Week. ~ To give due recognition to the important role and
contributions of past and present Filipino military officers and personnel, the last full week of

‘August is hereby declared the National Military Appreciation Week.

SEC. 3. Lead Agency. - The Department of National Defense (DND) shall urge all
citizens to recognize a “National Military Appreciation Week” and shall hold programs and

activities in observance of the event.
SEC. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DND shall promulgate the
appropriate rules and regulations necessary for the effective implementation of this Act within

sixty (60) days from its approval.

SEC. 5. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its

publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,