Law Summary
Creation and Composition of the Jose Rizal National Centennial Commission
- Established by President Ramon Magsaysay through Executive Order No. 52 dated August 10, 1954.
- Composed of 15 members including:
- Secretary of Education (Chairman)
- Secretary of Finance (Co-Vice Chairman)
- Supreme Commander of the Order of the Knights of Rizal (Co-Vice Chairman)
- Chairman of the Committee on Education of the Senate (Member)
- Chairman of the Committee on Education of the House of Representatives (Member)
- President of the University of the Philippines (Member)
- Chairman of UNESCO National Commission (Member)
- Director of Public Libraries and Chairman of the Philippine Historical Committee (Member)
- Director of Public Schools (Member)
- Director of Private Schools (Member)
- Five additional members selected from cultural, educational, and civic organizations by the aforementioned officials.
Duties and Functions of the Commission
- Preparing a general program of centenary activities for presidential approval.
- Promoting and directing Rizal commemorative celebrations nationwide and among Filipino communities abroad.
- Editing and publishing Rizal's works and related literature essential to understanding his life and impact.
- Erecting a grand monument honoring Rizal in the Philippine Capital.
- Initiating an International Congress in the Capital inviting foreign admirers of Rizal.
- Arranging issuance of commemorative stamps for the centenary.
- Creating and awarding Jose Rizal medals to individuals and juridical entities contributing to Rizal's teachings.
- Administering all funds donated by the government and the public for centenary purposes.
- Taking all other necessary actions to successfully execute centenary programs.
Reporting and Transparency
- The Commission shall submit reports to the President at least every six months.
- The President is responsible for publishing these reports to inform and guide the public.
Executive Authority
- The Commission is created by the President exercising powers vested by law.
- Acts in appreciation of public sentiment for proper observance of an event of extraordinary national importance.
Location and Effectivity
- The Order was issued in Manila on August 10, 1954.
- Marks the 9th year of Philippine independence as context for national pride and historic commemoration.