MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 55 DIRECTING ALL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND INSTRUMENTALITIES, AND ENCOURAGING LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS, TO SUPPORT THE PHILIPPINES' HOSTING OF THE 22ND ASIAN KARATE YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP July 16, 2024

WHEREAS,Section 17, Article II of the Constitution provides that the State shall give priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development;

WHEREAS,Section 19, Article XIV of the Constitution provides that the State shall promote physical education and encourage sports programs, league competitions, and amateur sports, including trainings for international competitions, to foster self-discipline, teamwork, and excellence foster self-discipline, teamwork, and excellence for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry;

WHEREAS,the Asian Karate Federation Championships is a highly-anticipated tournament of Karate in Asia, which aims to bring together the best young Karate athletes from across the region;

WHEREAS,the Philippines, through the Philippine Sports Commission, in collaboration with the Karate Pilipinas Sports Federation, Inc., will host the 22nd Asian Karate Federation Cadets, Juniors, and U21 Championships, which will be participated in by 38 countries and about 900 athletes;

WHEREAS,the hosting of said event in the Philippines will not only promote the sport of Karate in the country, but will also serve as an opportunity for training of Filipino athletes;

NOW, THEREFORE,the following are hereby ordered:

All government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, are hereby directed, and all local government units are encouraged, to extend full support and cooperation to the Philippines' hosting of the 22nd Asian Karate Youth Championships which will be held on 22 to 25 August 2024 at the Philsports Multi-purpose Arena, Pasig City.

The Presidential Communications Office is hereby directed to implement effective measures to inform and encourage the public to support the said event.

This Circular shall take effect immediately.

DONE,in the City of Manila, this 16^thday of July, in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty-Four.