ANGELES CITY -- Malacañang has declared June 15, 2018 a special non-working day in Angeles City in “remembrance of the ruinous volcanic eruption” of Mount Pinatubo 27 years ago.

This was gleaned in Presidential Proclamation Number 500 signed by Acting Executive Secretary Michael Ong dated May 24, 2018.

“By the authority of the president, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, do hereby declare Friday, June 15, 2018, a special (non-working) day in the City of Angeles,” Ong stated.

The same proclamation stated that the eruption of Mount Pinatubo on June 15, 1991, which is the second largest in the 20th century, caused massive destruction to the provinces of Zambales, Pampanga, Bataan, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija.

“In view of rationalizing and integrating the government’s rehabilitation efforts in the aftermath of the eruption, then President Corazon C. Aquino created a task force on the rehabilitation of areas affected by the Mount Pinatubo eruption,” Ong stressed.

He added that the proclamation was issued to render appropriate tribute to those who perished, as well to those who survived, and to those who helped in the relocation, rehabilitation, and recovery of families affected by the disaster.

“It is but fitting and proper that the people of Angeles City be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies,” Ong stated.