President Ferdinand Marcos declared July 17 of every year as “National Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Day” to promote and enhance a nationwide health awareness campaign.
The two-page Proclamation No. 511, signed by President Marcos on March 27, emphasized the significance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as a vital lifesaving technique in various critical situations, such as heart attacks or near drowning incidents.
“There is a need to instill and continuously promote health consciousness among Filipinos by equipping them with the necessary information, knowledge, behavior, and skills to respond to health emergencies, including bringing CPR in every home as an emergency procedure,” President Marcos said.
Additionally, President Marcos tasked the Department of Health (DOH) with leading the planning, preparation, coordination, organization, implementation, and supervision of initiatives and programs for the annual celebration of the occasion.
All government bodies and agencies, along with other relevant entities, are directed to actively observe National CPR Day. At the same time, non-governmental organizations and private sectors are urged to offer their support to the cause.