March 25 of each year as "DAY OF THE UNBORN"

MALACAÑAN PALACE

MANILA

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

PROCLAMATION NO. 586

DECLARING MARCH 25TH OF EACH YEAR AS THE “DAY OF THE UNBORN” IN THE PHILIPPINES

WHEREAS, pregnancy is a physiologic process that has certain risks because not all pregnancies lead to the birth of a live and healthy child;

WHEREAS, almost three percent (3%) of total fetal deaths have been registered due to the effect of maternal birth and nutrition and socio-behavioral factors on the eventual outcome of pregnancy;

WHEREAS, to prevent and effectively manage complications of pregnancy and childbirth, it is necessary that quality and timely interventions before, during and after pregnancy be developed through comprehensive health services;

WHEREAS, in many countries, the “Day of the Unborn” is being observed on March 25, Feast of the Annunciation, in favor of life and human dignity;

WHEREAS, the “Day of the Unborn” will promote a culture of life and defense of life from the moment of conception.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare March 25 of every year as the “Day of the Unborn”.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 24th day of March, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Four.

(Sgd.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

from http://www.gov.ph/2004/03/24/proclamation-no-586/   (Retrieved March 10, 2012)