Philippine Festivities
An academic exploration of the nation's public holidays, detailing their history, types, and observance across the archipelago.
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Historical Evolution of Holidays
Administrative Code of 1987
The foundational Administrative Code of 1987, promulgated by President Corazon Aquino, established ten nationwide regular holidays and two nationwide special days. It specified fixed dates for some holidays, movable dates for others, and designated the last Sunday of August as a holiday. The mechanism for determining movable dates was not explicitly detailed within this code.12
Holiday Economics and RA 9492
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's administration introduced "Holiday Economics," aiming to boost productivity by shifting holidays to Mondays nearest their original dates. This policy was codified by Republic Act No. 9492 in 2007. This act revised the list of holidays, establishing eleven national holidays and three nationwide special days. It also introduced provisions for regional holidays, such as Eidul Adha in Muslim Mindanao, and mandated presidential proclamations for movable holidays at least six months in advance.345
Presidential Proclamations and Adjustments
Subsequent Presidential Proclamations have further defined and established national and local holidays, including special working holidays. Notably, Proclamation No. 1107 in 2021 designated certain special holidays as special working holidays to support economic recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic. More recently, Proclamation No. 368 in 2023 removed February 25 from the holiday list, citing minimal socioeconomic impact as it falls on a Sunday.61617
Distinguishing Holiday Types
Pay Differentials
The Labor Code of the Philippines categorizes holidays into "regular holidays" and "special non-working days," with distinct pay rules. Employees who do not work on a regular holiday receive 100% of their daily wage. If they work, they receive 200% of their daily wage. For special non-working days, the general principle is "No Work, No Pay," meaning no compensation is given if the employee does not work. However, if an employee works on a special non-working day, they are entitled to 130% of their daily wage.89
Additional Compensation
Beyond the base pay rules, employees receive an additional 30% compensation if a holiday falls on their designated rest day. This applies to both regular holidays and special non-working days. Furthermore, if an employee works overtime on any holiday, they are entitled to an additional 30% on top of the holiday pay.7
Historical Holiday Realignments
Independence Day Shift
Independence Day was historically celebrated on July 4, coinciding with American Independence Day, commemorating the Philippine independence from the United States in 1946. In 1962, President Diosdado Macapagal's Proclamation No. 28 shifted this observance to June 12, the date of the 1898 declaration of independence. Republic Act No. 4166 in 1964 officially renamed the July 4 holiday as "Philippine Republic Day" and cemented June 12 as "Philippine Independence Day."1011
Philippine-American Friendship Day
Initially established as Philippine-American Day on November 15, commemorating the 1935 Commonwealth inauguration, the observance was later moved to July 4 and renamed "Philippine-American Friendship Day." This shift, particularly during the Martial Law era, aimed to de-emphasize Republic Day. The Administrative Code of 1987 formally abolished the July 4 holiday as a non-working day, removing it from the list of national holidays.121314
Nationwide Observances
Regular Holidays
These are the fixed and movable dates observed nationwide as regular holidays, carrying specific pay entitlements. Examples include New Year's Day (January 1), Day of Valor (April 9), Labor Day (May 1), Independence Day (June 12), National Heroes Day (last Monday of August), Bonifacio Day (November 30), Rizal Day (December 30), and Christmas Day (December 25). Movable holidays like Eid'l Fitr and Eid'l Adha are determined annually.18
Special Days
These days are recognized nationwide but often carry different pay implications or are designated as non-working days. They include observances like Chinese New Year (movable), Maundy Thursday (movable), Black Saturday (movable), Ninoy Aquino Day (August 23), All Saints' Day (November 1), and New Year's Eve (December 31). Some are specifically designated as "special working holidays."18
Working Holidays and Cultural Observances
Commemorative Working Days
Beyond the traditional holidays, numerous working holidays commemorate significant historical events, national figures, and cultural practices. These include days like First Philippine Republic Day (January 23), National Women's Day (March 8), Lapu-Lapu Day (April 27), and the start of the Philippine Christmas season (September 1). These observances often highlight national identity and heritage.22
Islamic Holidays
Islamic holidays, such as Isra and Mi'raj (movable), Mid-Sha'ban (movable), Night of Power (movable), First of Muharram (Islamic New Year, movable), and Ashura (movable), are recognized as working holidays for Filipino Muslims. These days mark significant events in the Islamic calendar and are observed by the Muslim community within the Philippines.2728
Buddhist and Other Observances
The calendar also includes observances for other religious and cultural groups, such as Vesak Day (movable), celebrated by Filipino Buddhists, and Karim'ul Makhdum Day (November 7), commemorating the introduction of Islam. These demonstrate the diverse religious landscape of the Philippines.39
Local and Regional Observances
Patron Saint Feasts
Many cities, municipalities, and barangays observe local holidays, predominantly the feasts of their patron saints. These are typically declared as special non-working days by the President and are applicable only to the specific locality concerned. Examples include the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Manila (January 9) and Fiesta Pilar in Zamboanga City (October 12).4041
Foundation and Anniversary Days
Local observances also mark foundation days or anniversaries of significant historical events or figures. These can be regular holidays or special non-working days, applying only to the designated area. Examples include Bataan Foundation Day (January 11), Cabanatuan City Day (February 3), and Cebu City Charter Day (February 24).42
Cultural Festivals
Some local holidays are tied to cultural festivals, celebrating regional heritage and traditions. The Sinulog festival in Cebu, for instance, is observed with a regular holiday and a subsequent rest day for the province and associated cities. These events often draw significant local and national attention.43
Proposed Holiday Reforms
Consolidating Holidays
There have been proposals to consolidate holidays honoring former presidents into a single observance, akin to U.S. Presidents' Day. The objective is to enhance national competitiveness by reducing the overall number of holidays, which are perceived by some as hindering productivity. This includes consolidating national, provincial, and city-level holidays.73
Labor Union Opposition
Conversely, labor groups express opposition to reducing the number of holidays. Their primary concern is that such a move would diminish employee benefits, particularly holiday pay. They argue that there is no definitive link between fewer holidays and increased productivity, and that employers would be the primary beneficiaries through cost savings.74
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References
References
- Republic Act No. 6709, February 10, 1989, Chan Robles Law Li brary.
- Presidential proclamation No.81 s.2010, Office of the President.
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