MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
PROCLAMATION NO. 494
DECLARING THE YEAR 2013 AS THE NATIONAL YEAR OF
RICE AND DIRECTING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO LEAD ITS CELEBRATION
WHEREAS, the government aims to attain
rice self-sufficiency by 2013;
WHEREAS, part of the strategy to attain
rice self-sufficiency is intensified information campaign and social marketing
to enjoin producers, consumers, and policymakers to help achieve the said goal;
and
WHEREAS, a sustained and nationwide
campaign to boost farmers’ morale and motivate them to adopt technologies to
further improve farm productivity and encourage the general public to be
responsible rice consumers are necessary to complement the government’s efforts
to achieve rice self-sufficiency.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, President
of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby
declare the following:
SECTION 1. National Year of Rice. The
year 2013 is hereby declared as the National Year of Rice. The month of November
of every year is also affirmed as the National Rice Awareness Month pursuant
to Proclamation No. 524 (s. 2004).
SECTION 2. Implementation. The Secretary
of Agriculture is hereby authorized to lead the celebration of the National Year
of Rice towards achieving rice self-sufficiency and promoting public awareness
on responsible rice consumption. The Department of Agriculture (DA) may call
upon other government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and the private
sector for assistance in the celebration of the National Year of Rice. DA shall
provide funds for the celebration of the National Year of Rice from its regular
budget.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set
my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.
DONE, in the City of Manila, this 18th
day of October, in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand and Twelve.
(Sgd.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
By the President:
(Sgd.) PAQUITO N. OCHOA JR.
Executive
Secretary