PROCLAMATION NO. 598 DECLARING THE 30TH DAY OF OCTOBER OF EVERY YEAR AS "NATIONAL DAY OF CHARITY" June 24, 2024

WHEREAS,Section 9, Article II of the Constitution provides that the State shall promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all;

WHEREAS,Act No. 4130, as amended, created the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) with the aim of institutionalizing the Sweepstakes as a means to raise fund for the promotion of public health and general welfare;

WHEREAS,Republic Act No. 1169 or "An Act Providing for Charity Sweepstakes, Horse Races, and Lotteries" designated PCSO as the principal government agency for raising and providing funds for health programs, medical assistance and services, and charities of national character, through the conduct of charity sweepstakes races, lotteries, and other similar activities;

WHEREAS,the PCSO has shown its dedication to fulfill its mandate through the provision of medical assistance, the conduct of free medical and dental services, the establishment of an out-patient clinic, and its partnerships with qualified government or non-government welfare institutions.agencies that promote the well-being of the marginalized sectors of society;

WHEREAS,Bagong Pilipinas,as the overarching theme of the Administration's brand of governance and leadership, calls for deep and fundamental transformations in all sectors of society and government, and visions to emphasize compassion, solidarity and social responsibility among Filipinos; and

WHEREAS,Section 17, Article VII of the Constitution vests in the President the power of control over all the executive department, bureaus and offices and the mandate to ensure the faithful execution of laws;

NOW, THEREFORE, FERDINAND R,. MARCOS, JR.,President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and existing laws, do hereby declare the 30th day of October of every year as"National Day of Charity."

For this purpose, the PCSO is hereby directed to lead, coordinate, and supervise the observance of the National Day of Charity, and identify the programs, activities and projects for the celebration thereof.

All agencies and instrumentalities of the National Government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, government financial institutions, and state universities and colleges, are hereby directed, and all local government units, non-government organizations, as well as the private sector, are hereby encouraged, to render the necessary support and assistance to the PCSO, and to actively participate in the observance of the National Day of Charity.

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 13^thday of June, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty-Four.