QuestionsQuestions (PROCLAMATION NO. 905)
The proclamation states it was issued “by virtue of the powers vested in me by law,” i.e., under the President’s constitutional/statutory authority to issue proclamations for official observances and administrative coordination.
The proclamation declares “2006 as Philippines–Japan Friendship Year.”
It cites the ratification of the Peace Treaty and Reparations Agreement on July 23, 1956, marking a fitting time to commemorate the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan.
The proclamation notes that Sunday, July 23, 2006 was already declared Philippines–Japan Friendship Day by virtue of Proclamation No. 854.
The Department of Tourism (DOT).
The Secretary is authorized to: (1) create appropriate committees/task forces; (2) promulgate necessary guidelines; (3) allocate necessary funds for programs/ceremonies/activities; and (4) solicit donations, grants, contributions, sponsorship, and other forms of assistance subject to approval of the Office of the President.
The proclamation directs the Secretary to allocate necessary funds, and also to solicit donations/grants/sponsorships/assistance, but only “subject to the approval of the Office of the President.”
The Secretary is authorized to “call on any government agency, instrumentality, including government-owned and controlled corporations” to extend full support and assistance.
It calls on all tourism establishments and businesses in the private sector to give full cooperation to ensure the successful celebration.
It sets a constraint on the Secretary of Tourism’s solicitation of donations/grants and related assistance—such external support must be approved by the Office of the President before being acted upon.
It states: “This proclamation shall take effect immediately.”
It directs DOT to coordinate and monitor with “the support and participation of government agencies, local government units and non-governmental organizations involved in the tourism industry.”
To commemorate and celebrate the Philippines–Japan friendship and diplomatic relations, particularly the 50 years of partnership, supported by historical ties, shared democratic values, and strong economic and tourism relations.
It implies an executive coordinating mechanism where a single department (DOT) leads implementation, sets guidelines through committees/task forces, manages budgets, and mobilizes other agencies and stakeholders.