Arroyo declares Sept 12 Nat’l Day of Prayer, Reconciliation

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared September 12 as a National Day of Prayer and Reconciliation to promote peace and unity among Filipinos in a nation "beset by hostility, bitterness, constant conflict and too much politics." A Malacañang statement said Mrs Arroyo signed Proclamation No. 1362 Aug. 15, where she cited the importance of the occasion to attain the national goals through personal reflection and change in attitudes. "This goal has all too often lost its relevance in our nation, which is beset by hostility, bitterness, constant conflict, and too much politics ... Our country is facing several challenges, which require the steadfast devotion of every Filipino to work for the common good and for the betterment of our country," she said. Last year, Mrs Arroyo issued Proclamation No. 910 declaring Sept. 12 as a "National Day of Prayer, Conversion, Reparation and Consecration for Our Nation" to promote peace and unity among Filipinos. She said that what is needed in a country facing several challenges is the steadfast devotion of every Filipino to work for the common good and for the betterment of the country. Last week, Mrs Arroyo signed Proclamation No. 1357 declaring September of every year as “Public Relations Month." Meanwhile, Mrs Arroyo declared Friday, Aug. 24, as a special non-working day in Kidapawan City, which is celebrating its 6th Timpupo Festival from Aug. 8 to 24. The country will observe on Monday the National Heroes' Day instead of Sunday.- GMANews.TV