#WalangPasok February 9, 2024 Special Non-Working Holiday
In anticipation of the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration, Malacañang has declared February 9, 2024, as a special non-working holiday across the country. The announcement, made by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), was formalized through Proclamation No. 453, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on behalf of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The proclamation, dated January 18, emphasizes the significance of the additional holiday, providing Filipinos with a longer weekend to partake in the festivities associated with the Chinese New Year. It reads, “The declaration of 09 February 2024, Friday, as an additional special non-working day throughout the country will give the people the full opportunity to celebrate the Chinese New Year and enable our countrymen to avail of the benefits of a longer weekend.”
Proclamation No. 453 also directs the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to issue the appropriate circular for the private sector in implementing the proclamation. This move aims to ensure that employees in the private sector receive the necessary considerations during the declared special non-working day.
Additionally, it is worth noting that a prior proclamation, Proclamation No. 368 dated October 11, 2023, had already declared February 10, 2024 (the actual day of the Chinese New Year), as a special non-working day nationwide. The dual proclamations signify the importance placed on allowing citizens ample time to observe and enjoy the festivities associated with the Chinese New Year.
Chinese New Year is a revered and festive event celebrated not only in China but also in the Philippines. It marks the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar and the declaration of February 9 as a special non-working holiday adds an extra layer of celebration for the Filipino people. The long weekend ahead provides an opportunity for citizens to welcome the Year of the Wood Dragon and immerse themselves in the cultural and traditional aspects of this significant event.
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