By Argyll Geducos
President Duterte has signed the measure declaring November 17 every year as National Students' Day to recognize the "invaluable contribution" of student activism to Philippine democracy.
President Rodrigo Roa (ROBINSON NIÑAL JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Based on Republic Act (RA) No. 11369, signed by Duterte on August 8, it will be the policy of the State to value the dignity of every person, and to guarantee full respect for human rights.
The State also recognizes the value of inculcating love of country and social responsibility among the youth, and supports the observance of International Students' Day which was spearheaded by the International Students' Council in 1941 to commemorate the execution of nine Czechoslovakian students who fought against the Nazi occupation.
"In accord with the observance of International Students' Day and in recognition of the invaluable contribution of student activism to Philippine democracy for initiating efforts to foster leadership among Filipino students, November 17 of every year is hereby declared as National Students' Day," the new law states.
Duterte tasked the National Youth Commission (NYC) to prepare and implement an annual program of activities for the observance of National Students' Day.
The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall support the NYC in all efforts to facilitate and promote related activities to all public and private schools.
All schools, colleges, and universities are encouraged to extend their full support for exercises and activities launched by students during the observance of National Students' Day.
The law will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.