Purpose and policy of Surgeons’ Week
- The proclamation recognizes that the practice of surgery is vital to saving lives, maintaining good health, and supporting the well-being of the people and nation-building.
- The proclamation acknowledges the Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS) for training surgeons, including efforts on cancer prevention and control and infection surveillance and control.
- The proclamation highlights PCS assistance to the Department of Health (DOH) through the Surgical Manpower Development Project to upgrade and improve surgeons’ competency in government hospitals.
- The proclamation expresses an intention that PCS will help initiate a joint project with the DOH and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation to expand complete coverage in surgery for PhilHealth patients.
- The proclamation aims to draw public attention and focus awareness on PCS’s worthy endeavors and to give recognition to surgeons in the country.
Named days, timing, and annual observance
- The proclamation declares that the second week of September of every year is Surgeons’ Week.
- The proclamation requires alignment of the celebration to coincide with PCS Foundation Anniversary on September 12 for meaningful observance for surgeons nationwide.
Relationship to prior proclamation
- The proclamation expressly revokes Proclamation No. 462 (s. 2003).
- Proclamation No. 462 (s. 2003) previously declared the first week of December as Surgeons’ Week, and the new schedule replaces that earlier declaration through revocation.
Official issuance and signing
- The proclamation is signed by Benigno S. Aquino III, with the seal of the Republic of the Philippines affixed.
- The proclamation is signed in the City of Manila on April 12, 2011.
- Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr., Executive Secretary, signs by authority of the President.