Aquino issues proclamation for 2013 holidays

MANILA -- The Philippines has at least 17 holidays next year based on Proclamation 459 that President Benigno Aquino III signed, Malacanang said on Saturday.

Of the 2013 holidays, 11 will be regular holidays, five as special non-working days, and one as a special holiday for all schools.

Included in the regular holidays is the observance of Eid'l Fitr and Eidul Adha. The date for this will be issued after the approximate dates of the Islamic holidays have been determined in accordance with the Islamic calendar (Hijra) or the lunar calendar, or upon Islamic astronomical calculations, whichever is possible or convenient, the proclamation read. The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) shall inform the Office of the President on which day the holiday shall fall.

The following are the holidays and special days for the year 2013:

Regular Holidays: New Year's Day, January 1 (Tuesday); Maundy Thursday, March 28; Good Friday, March 29; Araw ng Kagitingan, April 9 (Tuesday); Labor Day, May 1 (Wednesday); Independence Day, June 12 (Wednesday); National Heroes Day, August 26 (Last Monday of August); Bonifacio Day, November 30 (Saturday); Christmas Day, December 25 (Wednesday); Rizal Day, December 30 (Monday).

Special (non-working) days: Black Saturday, March 30; Ninoy Aquino Day, August 21 (Wednesday); All Saints Day, November 1 (Friday).

Additional special (non-working) days: December 24 (Tuesday); December 31 (Tuesday).

Special Holiday (for all schools): EDSA Revolution Anniversary, February 25 (Monday).

Malacanang said the President signed the proclamation on August 16 and will take effect immediately.

The Department of Labor and Employment shall promulgate its implementing guidelines, it added. (SDR/Sunnex)