MALACAÑANG

MANILA

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

PROCLAMATION NO. 866

DECLARING SEPTEMBER 27, 1996, AND THE LAST FRIDAY OF

SEPTEMBER OF EVERY YEAR, AS THE NATIONAL MARITIME DAY

WHEREAS,

there is an ever-growing concern for the unrestricted development of the local maritime industry as a major factor in the program thrust for sustainable economic development that will propel the country in its quest as a newly industrialized country in the year 2000 and beyond.

WHEREAS,

the Philippine maritime industry has grown tremendously during the last few years and is expected to be globally competitive in due time;

WHEREAS,

there is an imperative need to evolve a strong and outward-looking maritime policy to cope with the dynamic demands of the water transport industry;

WHEREAS,

it is fitting and proper to focus public attention on the vital role being played by the maritime industry towards development in global shipping; and

WHEREAS,

the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in its Circular No. 1884 dated 11 July 1996 has requested all member nations to celebrate World Maritime Day during the week of 23 to 27 September 1996.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FIDEL V. RAMOS,

President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare September 27, 1996, and the last Friday of September of every year as National Maritime Day.

All government agencies, and public and private institutions are enjoined to give full support to this event and to extend the necessary assistance in the observance thereof.

The Shipping and Ports Advisory Council in coordination with the private sector through the Maritime League, shall plan for activities related to this proclamation.

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 6

^th

day of September in the year of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-Six.

(Sgd.)

FIDEL V. RAMOS

By the President

(Sgd.)

RUBEN D. TORRES