List of Philippine holidays for 2014

MANILA, Philippines - Still a few months before 2014, President Benigno Aquino III has already declared at least 18 national holidays to be observed next year.

Aquino signed on  September 25 Proclamation No. 655, which declares the holidays including the Chinese New Year and Decembers 24 and 26.

The Proclamation said the Chinese New Year is one of the most revered and festive events celebrated not only in China but also in the Philippines.

"The joint celebration is a manifestation of our solidarity with our Chinese-Filipino brethren who have been part of our lives in many respects as a country and as a people; 31 January 2014 may be declared as a special (non-working) day without detriment to public interest," the Proclamation read.

The Proclamation also said Decembers 24 and 26 shall be declared as additional special non-working holidays nationwide "to foster closer family ties and enable our countrymen to observe Christmas more meaningfully."

Meantime, the proclamations declaring national holidays for the observance of Eid’l Fitr and Eidul Adha shall be issued after their dates have been determined in accordance with the Islamic calendar.