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MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

[ PROCLAMATION NO. 820, March 06, 2025 ]

DECLARING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER OF EVERY YEAR AS THE "SOCIAL PROTECTION MONTH"

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, one of the strategies identified in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 is the establishment of a transformative Social Protection system that helps Filipinos manage risks and addresses structural vulnerabilities and social inequities;

WHEREAS, one of the key pillars of the Administration's 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda is to reduce vulnerability and mitigate scarring from the COVID-19 pandemic by tackling health and strengthening social protections, among others;

WHEREAS, the United Nation 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development seeks to end poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including the implementation of nationally appropriate Social Protection systems and measures for all, particularly the poor and vulnerable;

WHEREAS, the Philippines, as a Member State of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is form in its shared responsibility with other nations towards the protection of fundamental human rights, as reflected in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening Social Protection and its Regional Framework and Action Plan, and other international instruments;

WHEREAS, under Social Development Committee (SDC) Resolution No. 01 (s. 2007), Social Protection pertains to policies and programs that seek to reduce poverty and vulnerability to risks and enhance the social status and rights of the marginalized by promoting livelihood and employment, protecting them against hazards and sudden loss of income, and improving people's capacity to manage risks;

WHEREAS, there is a need to raise awareness on Social Protection as a critical development strategy for poverty reduction, equality, and social inclusion, and highlight its importance in ensuring the resilience, health, and well-being of all Filipinos in today's evolving social and economic landscape; and

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

NOW, THEREFORE, I, 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 month of September of every year as "Social Protection Month."

The SDC - Sub-Committee on Social Protection (SCSP), shall lead the annual observance of the Social Protection Month. For this purpose, it shall identify programs, activities, and projects for the celebration thereof.ℒαwρhi৷

All agencies and instrumentalities of the National Government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations 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 actively participate and render the necessary support and assistance to SDC-SCSP for the effective implementation of this Proclamation.

Further, the Presidential Communications Office is also directed to implement effective measures to inform and encourage the public to support the programs, activities, and projects for the celebration of the Social Protection Month.

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 6th day of March, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty-Five.

(Sgd.) FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR.

By the President:

(Sgd.) LUCAS P. BERSAMIN
Executive Secretary

The Lawphil Project - Arellano Law Foundation

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