Proclamation No. 655




MALACAÑAN PALACE MANILA BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES [ Proclamation No. 655, September 19, 1995 ] DECLARING 1996 AS “PHILIPPINE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY YEAR” AND HOLDING OF AN ANNUAL SEARCH FOR EXCELLENCE IN COMPUTER SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT WHEREAS, Information Technology (IT) has been identifies as a strategic resource and vital tool for the country to attain its vision of becoming a Newly Industrializing Country by the year 2000, and respond to the requirements of global competitiveness; WHEREAS, advanced countries and international organizations have been preparing for the advent of the 21st century through the extensive use of Information Technology; WHEREAS, there is a need to tap and recognize Filipino ingenuity and creativity, specifically in the field of computer software development; and, WHEREAS, a competition in software development is an effective means to promote awareness, understanding, and appreciation of IT in the country, as well as to harness the creativity and capability of Filipinos in this field.1aшphi1 NOW, THEREFORE, I, FIDEL V. RAMOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law do hereby declare Calendar Year 1996 as “Philippine Information Technology Year” and hereby order: Section 1. The National Information Technology Council (NITC), in coordination with the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), shall plan, organize and coordinate the activities for the year-round celebration. Section 2. In celebration of the Philippine Information Technology Year, the Department of Science and Technology, in collaboration with other government agencies and the private sector, including government-recognized IT foundations and associations, shall spearhead the holding of an annual “National Search for Excellence in Computer Software Development” starting in 1996 in celebration of Information Technology Year. The Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Trade and Industry shall plan and implement an aggressive export program of the software which have been adjudged winners in the said competition. Section 3. All government departments, agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations as well as the private sector are hereby enjoined to support and participate in the activities. Section 4. This proclamation shall take effect immediately DONE, in the City of Manila, this 19th day of September, in the year of our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Ninety Five. (Sgd.) FIDEL V. RAMOS By the President (Sgd.) RUBEN D. TORRES Executive Secretary The Lawphil Project - Arellano Law Foundation