DABAWENYOS continues to await Malacanang’s declaration of March 17 as a special non-working holiday, as no response has been received despite early submission and follow-up of the request to date.
According to the Sangguniang Panlungsod, they made a follow-up via phone call to the Office of the President via the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs Dir. Rowena T. Sanchez on February 27 but was told that the request was “in process.” SP also sent a follow-up letter to said office on February 28. However, no official document from the office has been received.
The request for the holiday—typically observed the day after Araw ng Dabaw’s Parada Dabawenyo—is usually already approved weeks in advance. In past instances, Malacañang had issued responses early, allowing ample time for local preparations.
Records from the City Archives and Records Office (CARO) show that the holiday proclamation was released on March 4 in 2020, February 24 in 2021, February 28 in 2022, February 13 in 2023, and February 16 in 2024.
The public is advised to continue monitoring official government channels for announcements for accurate information on the declaration. CIO