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MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

[ Proclamation No. 19, September 23, 1998 ]

DECLARING THE SECOND WEEK OF OCTOBER OF EVERY YEAR AS THE NATIONAL OSTEOPOROSIS AWARENESS WEEK

WHEREAS, Osteoporosis is one of the most prevalent metabolic bone diseases among the elderly which is characterized by low bone mass, hence, increasing risk of fracture;

WHEREAS, the incidence of osteoporosis greatly increased as people age, with fracture occurring 2 to 100 times more among adults over 35 years of age than younger people and is associated with modest trauma;

WHEREAS, despite the tremendous health and economic impact of osteoporosis there is an inadequate preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic attention to the disease problem;

WHEREAS, the Department of Health in collaboration with other agencies both government and private and particularly with the Osteoporosis Society of the Philippines Incorporated (OSPI) are working hand in hand to provide an effective intervention program to prevent, delay, minimize or reverse the changes of osteoporosis, hence, prolonging productivity and improve the quality of life of osteoporotic patients;

WHEREAS, there is a need to arouse public awareness on its prevention and control;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare the second week of October of every year starting this year 1998 as the National Osteoporosis Awareness Week.

In line with this proclamation, all National Agencies, local Government Units, including the Non-Government Organizations, Private Offices and private sector shall collaborate with the Department of Health and the Osteoporosis Society of the Philippines Incorporated and give full support to all the activities to be undertaken every second week of October during the celebration of the National Osteoporosis Awareness Week.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.1aшphi1

Done in the City of Manila, this 23rd day of SEPT., in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and ninety eight.

(Sgd.) JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA

By the President:

(Sgd.) RONALDO B. ZAMORA
Executive Secretary

The Lawphil Project - Arellano Law Foundation

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