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MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

[ Proclamation No. 1764, May 4, 2009 ]

NATIONAL DAY OF CELEBRATION TO HONOR BOXING LEGEND MANNY PACQUIAO

WHEREAS, on May 3, 2009 (Manila Time), Manny Pacquiao wrestled the International Boxing Organizations (IBO) junior welterweight (140 lbs.) title from Ricky Hatton in their bout at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A.;

WHEREAS, this latest victory is his fifth (5th) world title in different weight divisions as he has previously won World Boxing Councils (WBC) flyweight (112 lbs.), International Boxing Federations (IBF) super-bantamweight (122 lbs.), WBCs super-featherweight (130 lbs.), and WBCs lightweight (135 lbs.) championship crowns, in addition to garnering Ring Magazines featherweight (126 lbs.) title and defeating the legendary Oscar de la Hoya in a 147 lbs. non-title duel last year, for which he deservedly earned the title “Best Pound for Pound Boxer in the World”;

WHEREAS, his spectacular victories show the world the best in the Filipino, and that his determination and love of God and country exemplify the indomitable Filipino spirit;

WHEREAS, his life and victories inspire the Filipinos to have resiliency and dedication to triumph against all odds; and

WHEREAS, as a nations expression of gratitude for bringing worldwide acclaim for the country, it is befitting that a national day of celebration is held to honor him.1aшphi1

NOW, THEREFORE, I, EDUARDO R. ERMITA, Executive Secretary, by authority of Her Excellency, President GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, do hereby declare May 8, 2009 as a National Day of Celebration to honor boxing legend Manny Pacquiao.

For this celebration, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is hereby tasked to lead the appropriate activities in Metro Manila, while the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) shall coordinate the appropriate activities in other parts of the country. The MMDA and the DILG may call upon all other agencies to extend all the necessary assistance and support for a successful celebration of Manny Pacquiaos victory.

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 4th day of May in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand and Nine.

By authority of the President:

(Sgd.) EDUARDO R. ERMITA
Executive Secretary

By the Executive Secretary:

(Sgd.) JOAQUIN C. LAGONERA
Senior Deputy Executive Secretary

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