Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 212)
Proclamation No. 212 (s. 2011) amends Proclamation No. 75 (s. 1999) and declares the month of February of every year as Countryside Development Month in the Philippines.
The purpose is to focus on the development of the countryside to encourage sustained development programs that provide gainful employment, ensure food security, and enable families to improve their standard of living, consistent with the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) shall attend to the appropriate observance of Countryside Development Month every year, in cooperation with local government units (LGUs).
Countryside development supports the 16-Point Agenda of the President and Executive Order No. 43 (s. 2011), emphasizing rural development's role in economic growth, food security, and equitable economic growth.
Shifting to the countryside is a positive step towards national economic decentralization and prepares the country for greater economic cooperation with ASEAN members.
It views private initiative as crucial for an effective, sustained, and valuable development program in the countryside.
The promotion of mutually beneficial linkages between the countryside and major markets through e-commerce is encouraged to create a simple and efficient marketing strategy.
It facilitates government and private sector efforts in developing the countryside.
Countryside development recognizes farms and rural enterprises as vital to achieving food security.