Under Proclamation 847, all agencies and instrumentalities of the national government are enjoined to support and provide the necessary assistance for the successful conduct of programs, projects and activities relative to the observance and celebration of the EPD. #EnvironmentalProtectionDay #InvestorProtectionWeek

DENR volunteers clean up Manila Bay. (DENR)

President Rodrigo Duterre signed two proclamations declaring 8 November of every year as “Environmental Planning Day of the Philippines” (EPD) and the second week of November of every year as “Investor Protection Week” (IPW).

Under Proclamation 847, all agencies and instrumentalities of the national government, including government-owned or controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, specifically those involved in environmental planning and sustainable use of resources, are enjoined, and all local government units, the private sector, relevant civil society organizations and professional groups are encouraged to actively support and provide the necessary assistance for the successful conduct of programs, projects and activities relative to the observance and celebration of the EPD.

Every 8 November is celebrated worldwide as “West Town Planning Day” to advance public and professional awareness in local and international planning, and to raise awareness on the environmental impacts resulting from the development of cities and territories.

Meanwhile, under Proclamation No. 846, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), in coordination with the Presidential Communications Operations Office shall lead the observance and celebration of the IPW.

“All other departments, bureaus and agencies of the national government, including government-owned or controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, are hereby directed, and all local government units, as well as the private sector, are encouraged to actively participate and provide assistance to the SEC, consistent with their respective mandates in the conduct of programs, projects and activities relative to the aforesaid celebration,” the Proclamation read.

The proclamation was signed by the Chief Executive last 15 November.

Under Section 2, Chapter 1 of Republic Act No. 8799 otherwise known as the “Securities Regulation Code,” it is a policy of the State to protect investors, ensure full and fair disclosure about securities, and minimize if not eliminate insider trading and other fraudulent or manipulative devices and practices, which create distortions in the free market.