PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed a law declaring February 4 of every year a special working holiday for the "Philippine-American War Memorial Day."
Republic Act (RA) 11304, signed by Duterte on April 17, aims to commemorate the "sacrifice and bravery" of Filipinos who fought and died as a result of a war launched against the United States (US) on February 4, 1899.
The fighting erupted between American forces and Filipino nationalists led by Emilio Aguinaldo on February 4,1899, or just two days after the US ratified a treaty declaring its occupation of and rule over the Philippines.
Under RA 11304, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (Ched) are mandated to ensure that appropriate activities are held in schools at all levels to observe the Philippine-American War Memorial Day.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) is directed to give the DepEd, Ched, and the public with the necessary information to ensure a "meaningful" commemoration of the Philippine-American War Memorial Day.
Funds necessary for the implementation of RA 11304 will be taken from the yearly appropriations of concerned government agencies.
RA 11304 takes effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
The law tasks the NHCP, in consultation with the DepEd and Ched, to formulate implementing rules and regulations 90 days after the act's approval.
Palace released a copy of RA 11304 just on Tuesday, July 16. (SunStar Philippines)