MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has added four special non-working days to the Philippines’ 2027 holiday calendar, giving Filipinos additional breaks for Chinese New Year, Black Saturday, All Souls’ Day and Christmas Eve.
Under Proclamation No. 1427, signed by Marcos on September 8, the government declared 10 regular holidays, several special non-working days and one special working day for 2027.
The four additional special non-working days are Chinese New Year on February 6, Black Saturday on March 27, All Souls’ Day on November 2 and Christmas Eve on December 24.
The regular holidays are New Year’s Day on January 1; Maundy Thursday on March 25; Good Friday on March 26; Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9; Labor Day on May 1; Independence Day on June 12; National Heroes Day on August 30; Bonifacio Day on November 30; Christmas Day on December 25; and Rizal Day on December 30.
Also designated as special non-working days are Ninoy Aquino Day on August 21, All Saints’ Day on November 1, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary on December 8, and the last day of the year on December 31.
February 25, however, will remain a special working day. The date marks the 41st anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, which the proclamation said brought about “political, social, and economic reforms in the country.”
The government said declaring November 2 and December 24 as additional special non-working days would give Filipinos more time for traditional observances and holiday activities while encouraging domestic tourism.
The proclamation described Chinese New Year as one of the “most revered and festive events” celebrated in both China and the Philippines.
Black Saturday was also retained as a nationwide special non-working day in recognition of Holy Week, described in the proclamation as “one of the most cherished traditions of our predominantly Catholic people.”
Ninoy Aquino Day on August 21 remains a national special non-working holiday under Republic Act No. 9256 in commemoration of the death anniversary of former senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr.
December 8 is likewise observed annually as a special non-working holiday for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.
The dates for Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adha were not included in the fixed holiday calendar.
Marcos will issue separate proclamations for the two Islamic holidays once their dates are determined based on the Hijra or lunar calendar, Islamic astronomical calculations or other applicable methods, upon the recommendation of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos.
The Department of Labor and Employment was directed to issue the implementing guidelines for the proclamation, which took effect immediately./PN
