MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

[ PROCLAMATION NO. 700, October 02, 2024 ]

DECLARING THE 15TH DAY OF OCTOBER OF EVERY YEAR AS "NATIONAL PREGNANCY AND INFANT LOSS REMEMBRANCE DAY"

WHEREAS, Section 12, Article II of the Constitution provides that the State shall recognize the sanctity of family life, protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution, and equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception;

WHEREAS, Section 15, Article II of the Constitution provides that the State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them;

WHEREAS, Proclamation No. 586 (s. 2004) declares the 25th day of March of every year as the "Day of the Unborn" to: (i) recognize the need to develop, through comprehensive health services, quality and timely interventions before, during and after pregnancy; and (ii) stimulate public awareness to prevent and effectively manage complications of pregnancy and childbirth;

WHEREAS, pregnancy and infant loss, including miscarriage and stillbirth, are influenced by factors such as maternal age, prior losses, health conditions, lifestyle, and maternity care, and have affected many Filipino families emotionally and psychologically;

WHEREAS, there is a need to designate a specific day to increase awareness and provide comprehensive support for affected families, including mental health services, community programs, and informed healthcare guidance;

WHEREAS, the observance of the National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day shall also honor and remember the infants lost during or shortly after pregnancy, and acknowledge the mothers and their families who have suffered through these losses; and

WHEREAS, Section 17, Article VII of the Constitution vests in the President the power of control over all the 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 15th day of October of every year as "National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day."

For this purposes, the Department of Health (DOH) is hereby directed to lead, coordinate, and supervise the observance of the National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, and identify the programs, activities, and projects for the celebration thereof.

All other 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, professional associations, and the private sector, are hereby encouraged to actively participate and render the necessary support and assistance to the DOH for the effective implementation of this Proclamation.ℒαwρhi৷

Proclamation No. 586 is hereby repealed. All other issuances, orders, rules and regulations, or parts thereof that are inconsistent with this Proclamation, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

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 2nd day of October, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty-Four.

(Sgd.) FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR.

By the President:

(Sgd.) LUCAS P. BERSAMIN
Executive Secretary


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