Palace: June 20 a special holiday

Manila, Philippines - Malacañang has declared June 20 a special non-working holiday to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. announced yesterday.

President Aquino signed Proclamation 154 that moved the commemoration to June 20 instead of June 19, which falls on a Sunday, upon the recommendation of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).

According to Ochoa, this will allow more people to participate in various activities related to the event. 

“The President deems it as an opportune time for our kababayans to commemorate our national hero’s achievements and sacrifices for our beloved country, rekindle their admiration and respect for him, as well as participate in the various ceremonies that were prepared to celebrate this occasion,” he said.

NHCP executive director III Ludovico Badoy informed Aquino that various activities to celebrate Rizal’s 150th birth anniversary had been prepared by the government and the private sector, including the commemorative rites at the Rizal Shrine in Calamba City in Laguna, the Philippine national hero’s birth place.