WHEREAS, Msgr. Alberto Van Overbeke, Belgian, has manifested
his desire to become a Philippine citizen;
WHEREAS, Msgr. Van Overbeke, Bishop-Prelate of Bayombong,
Nueva Viscaya, an account of his love and concern for his fellowmen,
irrespective of rank, race or social standing, has shown deep interest
in cultural undertakings and involved himself in various reforms
programs of the Philippine government;
WHEREAS, he has mingled socially with the Filipino people,
embraced their customs, traditions and ideals, and learned to speak one
of the Philippine dialects; and
WHEREAS, by virtue of his long and invaluable service to the
Filipino people, Msgr. Van Overbeke has proven himself worthy of all
the rights, privileges and prerogatives of a citizen of this country;
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 grant Philippine Citizenship to Msgr. Alberto
Van Overbeke, Bishop-Prelate, with all the rights, privileges and
prerogatives appurtenant thereto.
This Decree is made part of the law of the land and shall take
effect immediately.
Done in the City of Manila, this 22nd day of November, in the
year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and seventy-four.
(Sgd.)
FERDINAND E. MARCOS
President of the Philippines
By the President:
(Sgd.)
ALEJANDRO MELCHOR
Executive Secretary