PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1413

DECLARING THE THEME "ISANG BANSA, ISANG DIWA" AS THE NATIONAL MOTTO OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, AND INCORPORATING IT IN THE NATIONAL SEAL

WHEREAS, our nation is charting new directions oriented towards a new society responsive to the needs and aspiration of every Filipino;

WHEREAS, this task calls for the ultimate national unity and necessitates the active participation of every citizen motivated by one guiding spirit;

WHEREAS, the official adoption of a national motto as a national symbol that would be incorporated in the national seal is a faithful representation of the spirit and aspiration of the Filipino people;

WHEREAS, the theme "ISANG BANSA, ISANG DIWA" aptly describes the aspiration of the Filipino people of all generations to live under one nation in one spirit, and gallantly pays tribute to the epic struggle of countless Filipino leaders to achieve this end;

WHEREAS, this theme has been used in two national celebrations, and will be employed anew as the theme of this year's Independence Day celebration, having been proven as the most responsive theme so far;

WHEREAS, Independence Day is the best and most opportune occasion to proclaim to the Filipino people this theme as a new symbol of their nationhood;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the constitution, do hereby decree:

1. That the theme "ISANG BANSA, ISANG DIWA" be officially adopted as the national motto of the Republic;

2. That this phrase be incorporated in the official seal of the Republic;

3. That this motto be made known to every Filipino so that he may take pride in this new symbol of nationhood.

This decree shall take effect immediately.

Done in the City of Manila, this 9th day of June, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and seventy-eight.