QuestionsQuestions (PROCLAMATION NO. 1478)
Proclamation No. 1478 (dated April 3, 2008) is titled “Declaring the Month of April 2008 and every year thereafter as National Hemophilia Awareness Month and April 17, 2008 and every year thereafter as National Hemophilia Day and for other purposes.” It is issued by the President under powers vested by law.
The month of April is declared “National Hemophilia Awareness Month” for 2008 and every year thereafter. April 17 is declared “National Hemophilia Day” for 2008 and every year thereafter.
It cites Art. XIII, Sec. II of the 1986 Constitution, emphasizing that the State shall prioritize the needs of underprivileged sick, elderly, disabled, women, and children. Hemophilia is treated as a health condition affecting the disabled/sick, thus justifying State prioritization and awareness.
It references the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child (as stated in the text) regarding the right of the physically challenged to special care, education, training, and job opportunities. This supports the policy that persons affected by hemophilia deserve protection and inclusion.
It estimates at least 8,000 to 10,000 Filipinos with hemophilia across the archipelago.
As of 2006, only about 1,000 (10%) had been identified, with over 9,000 remaining unidentified and presumed untreated. Of the 1,000 identified, less than 10% received adequate treatment.
It states many become disabled because they lack means to pay the high cost of medicines and therapeutic products such as blood, plasma, cryoprecipitate, cryosupernate, Factor Concentrate, and other therapeutic products.
It asserts that Filipinos with hemophilia deserve dignity and respect and need the State’s protection against abuse, violence, public indifference, and discrimination.
It states that nationwide awareness will educate the public that Filipinos with hemophilia deserve to live normal lives.
The Department of Health (DOH) is designated as the lead government agency, in collaboration/coordination with the Hemophilia Association of the Philippines for Love and Service (HAPLOS) Foundation, Inc. and the Philippine Hemophilia Foundation.
Examples include: Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Finance (DOF), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), PhilHealth, PAGCOR, all government hospitals, and appropriate NGOs.
The proclamation notes that it is imperative that government agencies support the efforts of the private sector, specifically through collaboration/coordination with HAPLOS Foundation, Inc. and the Philippine Hemophilia Foundation.
While the proclamation mainly mandates observance and coordination for awareness, it also directs government agencies (and enjoins others) to support and cooperate in related commemorative activities, with DOH as lead.
It was signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and attested/signed by Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita.
It states it was done in the City of Manila on April 3, 2008.
Key stakeholders include: DOH (lead government agency); HAPLOS Foundation, Inc.; Philippine Hemophilia Foundation; other government agencies (DepEd, DOLE, DSWD, DILG, DOF, PCSO, PhilHealth, PAGCOR, government hospitals); and appropriate NGOs.