Dates to Remember (Holidays) for 2009

In December last year, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Proclamation No. 1669 declaring the official list of regular and special non-working holidays for 2009. This list was released recently by Malacañang to provide guidance to business and institution in their planning for the year.

As per Proclamation no. 1669, the list for this year’s holidays is as follows:

Regular Holidays:
April 9 – Maundy Thursday
April 10 – Good Friday
April 6 – (Monday nearest April 9) Araw ng Kagitingan (or Day of Valor)
May 1 – Labor Day
June 12 – Independence Day
August 31 – National Heroes Day
November 30 – Bonifacio Day
December 25 – Christmas Day
December 30 – Rizal Day

Special non-working days:
August 21 – Ninoy Aquino Day
November 1 – All Saints Day
November 2 (additional special non-working day)
December 24 (additional special non-working)
December 31 (additional special non-working day)

A separate proclamation declaring a national holiday for the observance of the Muslim feast Eid’l Fitr will be issued on a later date after the approximate date of the Islamic holiday has been determined in accordance with the lunar calendar. Other region-specific Muslim holidays will be observed as proclaimed by the Office on Muslim Affairs or the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Palace officials however said that the schedule could still be amended, which could mean more “holiday economics” announcements from the administration. Press Secretary Jesus G. Dureza said that the President can still declare additional holidays whenever necessary.

Mrs. Arroyo, for her part, has justified the moving of holidays as an economic stimulus. Declaring December 24 and November 2 as holidays would greatly strengthen Filipino families and in effect would boost domestic tourism.

Donald G. Dee, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Emeritus welcomed the holiday list. When asked about the possibility that the President may declare additional holidays, Mr. Dee said “I have the confidence that the President will not exercise her authority irresponsibly.”

Meanwhile, Makati Business Club Executive Director Alberto A. Lim believes that long weekends can benefit the economy but said Malacañang should stick to its list. “What business does not like is the sudden declaration of holidays,” he added.

In 2007, Mrs. Arroyo signed Republic Act 9492, a law which allows for the movement of holidays and traditional non-working holidays as much as practical and necessary.