Malacañang released on Tuesday, Aug. 23, the list of regular holidays and special non-working days next year, 2023.
by Betheena Unite, Manila Bulletin
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed Proclamation No. 42 on Monday, Aug. 22, declaring the following dates as regular holidays and special non-working days for 2023.
Regular Holidays
New Year’s Day – January 1 (Sunday)
Araw ng Kagitingan – April 9 (Sunday)
Maundy Thursday – April 6
Good Friday – April 7
Labor Day – May 1 (Monday)
Independence Day – June 12 (Monday)
National Heroes Day – August 28 (Last Monday of August)
Bonifacio Day – November 30 (Thursday)
Christmas Day – December 25 (Monday)
Rizal Day – December 30 (Saturday)
Special Non-Working Days
EDSA People Power Anniversary – February 25 (Saturday)
Black Saturday – April 8
Ninoy Aquino Day – August 21 (Monday)
All Saints’ Day – November 1 (Wednesday)
Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary – December 8 (Friday)
Last Day of the Year – December 31 (Sunday)
Additional Special (Non-working) Day – November 2 (Thursday)
The document noted that separate proclamations will be issued by the Palace in declaring as national holidays the observance of Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adha “after the approximate dates of the Islamic holidays have been determined in accordance with the Islamic calendar.”
The proclamation also emphasized the commemoration of the 37th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, “which ushered political, social, and economic reforms in the country,” on Feb. 25 next year.
It likewise stated that Aug. 21 of every year was declared as a national non-working holiday to commemorate the death anniversary of former Senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr.
The document also said that Black Saturday, which falls on April 8, 2023, has been traditionally declared as a special non-working day in the country, in observance of Holy Week as “one of the most cherished traditions of our predominantly Catholic people.”
It also noted that the Feast of Immaculate Conception of Mary, which falls on Dec. 8, 2023, must be celebrated yearly.
The proclamation also stressed that declaring Nov. 2, 2023 as an additional special (non-working) day throughout the country “will strengthen family ties by providing more time for the traditional All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day activities, as well as promote domestic tourism.”
