Extended long weekend in 2023 to increase revenue in tourism – DOT chief

by Jun Marcos Tadios

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco welcomed Presidential Proclamation No. 90 which extended more long weekends in 2023.

(File photo courtesy of Department of Tourism)

Frasco said the DOT foresees the Presidential Proclamation as “an important stimulus to boost the country’s domestic travel figures,” as this will “allow travelers to stay longer in destinations and thus bring direct economic benefits to the local communities.” 

“We are very thankful to the President for making this move to adjust certain holidays, therefore allowing Filipinos to enjoy at least nine long weekends for the year 2023. This gives our kababayans more opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend longer quality time and trips with their families and loved ones,” Frasco said.

Under President Marcos’ vision for the tourism industry, Frasco noted that the DOT has identified the maximization of domestic tourism as one of its seven main objectives.

“The Presidential Proclamation corresponds to the Marcos administration’s thrust to maximize domestic tourism in the country, cognizant of its significant contribution to the recovery of the local economy and the overall growth of the country’s tourism industry,” Frasco uttered.

Based on Presidential Proclamation No. 90 signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., there will be a total of nine long weekends in 2023.  

Starting on January 2, which falls on Monday, and November 2 (Thursday) have been added as special non-working holidays to be observed next year.

Moreover, April 10 was also declared as a non-working holiday in place of April 9 – the commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan, which will fall on a Sunday in 2023.

In observance of Bonifacio Day (which falls on a Thursday for the year 2023), the proclamation declared November 27 – the nearest Monday to November 30 – as a non-working holiday pursuant to Republic Act 9492.

Signed last Nov. 11, Presidential Proclamation No. 90 amends provisions of the earlier issued Presidential Proclamation No. 42, S. 2022, or the declaration of the regular holidays and special (non-working) days for the year 2023.

“The long weekends will help spur economic activities, sustain tourism-related employment opportunities, and aid communities dependent on tourism,” Frasco furthered.