MANILA, Philippines – Monday (April 7) is a non-working holiday as the nation commemorates Araw ng Kagitingan.
Instead of Wednesday (April 9), the day Araw ng Kagitingan is historically commemorated, the holiday would take place two days earlier this year because of a law passed last year rationalizing the country’s holidays.
Republic Act 9492 was signed by the President in July last year, which moved almost all holidays except those with religious significance to the nearest Monday.
A total of 11 national regular holidays and three nationwide special days are mandatorily observed in the country.
Only four holidays would continue to be celebrated on a fixed date, namely Jan. 1 or New Year’s Day; Nov. 1, All Saint’s Day; Dec. 25, Christmas Day; and the last day of the year, Dec. 31.
The rest of the holidays now have movable dates namely Araw ng Kagitingan - Monday nearest April 9; Labor Day - Monday nearest May 1; Independence Day - Monday nearest June 12; Ninoy Aquino Day - Monday nearest Aug. 21; National Heroes Day - last Monday of August; Bonifacio Day - Monday nearest Nov. 30; and Rizal Day - Monday nearest Dec. 30.
Three other holidays, namely Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Eid’l Fitr, have always been movable dates.