MALACAÑANG announced on Wednesday, December 14, that December 26 this year and January 2 next year, which both fall on Monday, are now special non-working days nationwide.
Proclamation 117, signed by Acting Executive Secretary Menard Guevarra, declared December 26, 2016 and January 2, 2017 as special non-working days for an extended celebration of holiday season.
Palace already announced December 25 (Christmas Day) and January 1 (New Year's Day) as regular holidays all throughout the country.
Guevarra said the longer weekend will promote domestic tourism and will give the Filipino people to enjoy more time with their families and loved ones.
“The declaration of 26 December 2016 and 2 January 2017, both falling on a Monday, as special non-working days, will give the people full opportunity to celebrate the holidays with their families and loved ones,” the proclamation read.
Guevarra said the Department of Labor and Employment will issue an appropriate circular to implement the proclamation for the private sector. (Sunnex)