Declaring the Period From September 1 to 30, 1955, and Every September Thereafter As Anti-Rat Campaign Month

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Proclamation No. 179

Declaring the Period from September 1 to 30, 1955, and Every September Thereafter as Anti-Rat Campaign Month

• Rats are considered the most destructive agricultural pest in the Philippines, causing millions of pesos worth of damage to almost all kinds of agricultural crops every year. (Preamble)
• Rat control is a responsibility of every citizen of the country. (Preamble)
• A joint and concerted effort of the Government and private citizens is necessary to bring rat infestation under control. (Preamble)

• The period from September 1 to 30, 1955, and every September thereafter, is declared as Anti-Rat Campaign Month. (Section 1)
• Barrio, municipal, city, and provincial government officials are authorized and directed to:
    - Sponsor and undertake a thorough anti-rat campaign in their respective communities. (Section 1)
    - Make available their facilities and personnel in the successful prosecution of the objectives of the Anti-Rat Campaign Month. (Section 1)

• A committee is formed to take charge of and coordinate all activities in connection with the Anti-Rat Campaign Month, consisting of: (Section 2)
    - Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources as Chairman
    - Social Welfare Administrator
    - Undersecretary of Education
    - Undersecretary of Public Works and Communications
    - Undersecretary of Health
    - Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines
    - Technical Assistant on Civil Affairs, Office of the President of the Philippines
    - Representatives of civic organizations as designated by the Chairman

• All civic organizations and civic-spirited citizens are urged to take the initiative and leadership in sponsoring activities in their respective communities that will ensure the success of the campaign. (Section 3)