QuestionsQuestions (PROCLAMATION NO. 968)
It cites Section 15, Article XIV of the 1987 Constitution, which provides that arts and letters shall enjoy the patronage of the State and that the State shall conserve, promote, and popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage and artistic creations.
It declares the month of April of every year as “Buwan ng Panitikang Filipino” or “National Literature Month.”
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) are the lead agencies for preparing, coordinating, and implementing activities and events.
They are directed to participate in and support the preparation, coordination, and implementation of activities related to National Literature Month.
NGOs and the private sector are encouraged to participate and render assistance to the NCCA, KWF, and other concerned agencies.
It emphasizes that Philippine literature, in different Philippine languages, is associated with the State’s history and cultural legacy; it must be promoted among Filipinos; and it plays a role in preserving and inspiring current literature and introducing Filipino values to future generations.
The month of April marks the commemoration of the birth and death anniversaries of literary pillars such as Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar, Emilio Jacinto, Paciano Rizal, Nick Joaquin, Edith Tiempo, and Bienvenido Lumbera.
It mentions International Children’s Book Day, International Day of the Book or World Book Day, and World Intellectual Property Rights Day.
It operationalizes the constitutional mandate that the State patronizes arts and letters by promoting Philippine literature and ensuring government participation in relevant activities for that purpose.
The NCCA, its affiliate agencies, the National Book Development Board, and other concerned stakeholders support the declaration.
It is a presidential proclamation. While it is not a statute, it has directive force: it orders government agencies to participate and coordinate with lead agencies for the observance.
It only encourages the private sector and NGOs. The proclamation uses directive language for government bodies (“are hereby directed”) and encouragement language for NGOs/private sector (“are encouraged”).
It is signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III, with the Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. signing “By the President.” It also includes the seal of the Republic of the Philippines.
Students should consider it as a presidential directive requiring agency participation/support for a national observance, potentially forming a basis for administrative accountability depending on implementation rules and applicable laws (though the proclamation itself does not specify penalties).