Ley 161 del 2001

(No. 161)

(Approved December 1, 2001)

AN ACT

To declare December 5 of each year as the International Volunteer's Day, to recognize the sacrifice and selflessness of those generous citizens who, through their efforts and dedication, contribute to the development of the economy and the wellbeing of all Puerto Ricans.

STATEMENT OF MOTIVES

Volunteer work is the group of general interest activities carried out by persons outside of the labor or mercantile sphere or any other for which no retribution whatsoever is received. These activities are also of an altruistic and solidarity nature, conducted freely, completely separate from personal obligations or juridical duty; they are not remunerated, without prejudice to the right to reimbursement for the expenses incurred in the performance thereof and are part of the program or work plan of public or private nonprofit organizations.

The work of these human beings represent a great contribution to the economy of Puerto Rico because without them private enterprises or the government would be called upon to substitute them, and on the other hand, the fruit of their work is reflected in the final result of our productivity as a people, thus enormously reducing the public investment of the state.

On the other hand, voluntary work contributes to the formation of a firm and united civil society. It also fosters the growth of our spirit and

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provokes feelings of solidarity and the desire for self-improvement in all Puerto Ricans.

Some experts recognize this activity as the "social capital" of a society and an important pillar of the interest in the economic regeneration of countries. It is for these reasons that the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico proposes to establish December 5 of each year as the "International Volunteer's Day," to recognize their unselfish contribution to the better functioning of Puerto Rican society and to thus foster the active participation of the citizenry in the lives of communities.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF PUERTO RICO:

Section 1.- December 5 of each year is hereby declared as the International Volunteer's Day, to recognize the sacrifice and selflessness of those generous citizens who, through their efforts and dedication, contribute to the development of the economy and the wellbeing of all Puerto Ricans.

Section 2.- The Department of State in collaboration with the Commonwealth Agency for Emergency Management, the Department of Labor and Human Resources, the Department of Education, the Youth Affairs Office, the Elderly Affairs Office, the Puerto Rico Drug Control Office, the Sports and Recreation Department, the Office of the General Coordinator for Socioeconomic Financing and Self-management and the Office of the Advocate for Persons with Disabilities, shall have the responsibility of attaining the greatest participation of the public and private sector in this celebration through the holding of ceremonies, activities and programs geared to the promotion and commemoration of the International Volunteers' Day.

Section 3.- This Act shall take effect immediately after its approval.

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CERTIFICATION

I hereby certify to the Secretary of State that the following Act No. 161 (S.B. 1087) of the $2^{ ext {nd }}$ Session of the $14^{ ext {th }}$ Legislature of Puerto Rico:

AN ACT to declare December 5 of each year as the International Volunteer's Day, to recognize the sacrifice and selflessness of those generous citizens who, through their efforts and dedication, contribute to the development of the economy and the wellbeing of all Puerto Ricans, has been translated from Spanish to English and that the English version is correct.

In San Juan, Puerto Rico, today $15^{ ext {th }}$ of December of 2004.

Elba Rosa Rodríguez-Fuentes Director