No classes on Feb. 22 and 24

CEBU City residents and those who work in the city will enjoy a holiday on Feb. 24, a Wednesday, when the City Government celebrates its 73rd Charter Day.

Students will enjoy two holidays next week. There will be no classes in all public and private schools in the city on Feb. 24, and a special holiday for all schools will also be observed on Feb. 22, a Monday.

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The country will commemorate the 24th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Revolution on Feb. 25 yet. But in Proclamation 1841, President Arroyo moved its observance to the Monday closest to the anniversary.

As for the Charter Day holiday, Republic Act 7287 signed by former President Corazon Aquino declares Feb. 24 a special non-working day throughout Cebu City.

City Information Officer Nagiel Bañacia said there will be no work and classes on that day.

Under labor laws, an additional 30 percent will be paid as premium to those who will work on Feb. 24, which covers government and private sector employees in Cebu City only.

As stated in the Philippine News Agency website, Republic Act 9492 provides that all holidays, except those which are religious in nature, are moved to the nearest Monday unless otherwise modified by law, order or proclamation.

In July last year, President Arroyo signed Proclamation 1841 declaring the regular holidays, special (non-working) days, and special holidays (for all schools) for the year 2010.

The proclamation states that Feb. 22, or the Monday closest to Feb. 25, is a special holiday to serve as an “inspiration to all Filipinos everywhere as we continue to chart our collective course as a nation and as a people.”

The entire country celebrates each year the anniversary of the Feb. 25, 1986 People Power revolution, which restored basic rights such as free speech, freedom of assembly and a free press after 14 years of Martial Law.