Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 52)
The purpose of Executive Order No. 52 is to create the Jose Rizal National Centennial Commission to properly observe the first centenary of the birth of Jose Rizal on June 19, 1961, and to propagate his ideals and teachings.
The President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in him by law, created the Jose Rizal National Centennial Commission through Executive Order No. 52.
The Commission is composed of fifteen members including officials and five other persons selected from cultural, educational, and civic organizations.
The Secretary of Education serves as the Chairman of the Commission.
Both serve as Co-Vice Chairmen of the Jose Rizal National Centennial Commission.
The Commission's duties include preparing the centenary program for the President's approval, promoting commemorative celebrations, publishing works of Jose Rizal, erecting a monument, holding an international congress, issuing commemorative stamps, creating medals, administering donated funds, and other necessary measures for the centenary's success.
The Commission is tasked to edit and publish all works of Jose Rizal and other relevant works to enhance the proper understanding of his life and labors.
The Commission is authorized to administer all funds donated by the public and government for the purposes of the centenary.
The Commission must report its activities and functions to the President at least once every six months, with the President ensuring that such reports are published for public information and guidance.
The Commission is authorized to arrange for the issuance of commemorative stamps and create Jose Rizal medals to commemorate the centenary, which may be awarded to individuals or associations contributing to the propagation of Rizal's teachings.