Marcos marks 2 national October celebrations

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has declared Oct. 15 of every year as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day to increase awareness of and provide comprehensive support for affected families.

Proclamation 700, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Oct. 2, repealed Proclamation 586, which declared March 25 of every year as the “Day of the Unborn.”

The new proclamation aims “to honor and remember the infants lost during or shortly after pregnancy, and acknowledge the mothers and their families who have suffered through these losses.”

“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 health care guidance,” the proclamation read.

The Department of Health is directed to lead, coordinate and supervise, as well as to identify the programs, activities and projects aligned with its observance.

In addition, to promote the Philippines as a premier paddling destination and to encourage its adoption as a sport and leisure activity, Marcos has declared the fourth week of October of every year as “Moving Forward Paddling Week Philippines.”

Proclamation 699, also signed by Bersamin on Oct. 2, directed the Philippine Sports Commission to lead, coordinate and supervise the week-long celebration and identify the programs, activities and projects for its observance.

As part of this year’s celebration, the Philippines is set to host the 2024 International Canoe Federation Dragon Boat World Championship on Oct. 28 to Nov. 4 in Puerto Princesa City.

Paddling forward “symbolizes unity and strength in navigating challenges towards achieving progress as a Filipino nation, and embodies personal growth and development through constantly striving to push limits, overcome setbacks and demonstrate resilience and dedication in the pursuit of excellence,” the proclamation read.