Los Baños holiday declared

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna, Philippines – Malacañang has declared Sept. 17 as a non-working holiday in this town,  which is set to mark its 399th anniversary.

President Aquino signed last week an order declaring Sept. 17 as a special day to give residents an opportunity to celebrate.             

The celebration, themed “Bayan Ko, Ikinararangal Ko: Ambag ng Los Baños sa Mundo,” will be highlighted by a three-day Bañamos Festival.

The event will showcase the town's history, culture and other heritage. The municipality's  14 barangays and the Los Baños Science Community – composed of 25 international, regional and national academic and research institutions – will take part in the festival.

Established on Sept. 17, 1615, Los Baños was originally called “Mainit” because of the thermal springs that have become its tourist attractions since 1590.