PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. temporarily moved the marking of the historic Ninoy Aquino Day to a more convenient date, marking another long weekend for Filipino students and workers next week.
As ordered by Pres. Marcos Jr., the non-working holiday scheduled on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, will now be moved to Friday, August 23, 2024. Proclamation No. 665 states that it is intended to stimulate domestic tourism.
“In order to provide for a longer weekend thereby promoting domestic tourism, the celebration of Ninoy Aquino Day may be moved from 21 August 2024 (Wednesday) to 23 August 2024 (Friday), provided that the historical significance of Ninoy Aquino Day is maintained,” said in the proclamation.
With the issue of the stated holiday modification, Filipino workers will get a long weekend, as August 26, 2024 is also a regular holiday to commemorate National Heroes’ Day.
Ninoy Aquino Day, commemorated yearly on August 21, commemorates the assassination of former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr., husband of the late former President Corazon Aquino.
Republic Act No. 9492, signed into law by then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2007, mandates the marking of Ninoy Aquino Day.
Furthermore, Marcos has also asked the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to produce the necessary circular to implement the proclamation in the private sector as well.
Two straight
On the other side, students and workers in Quezon City will enjoy two long weekends, given that Quezon City Day is observed on Monday, August 19.
According to Republic Act No. 6741, the aforementioned day is dedicated to celebrating former President Manuel L. Quezon’s birth anniversary, but it is only a special non-working holiday in Quezon City and the provinces of Quezon and Aurora.
Aside from the concept of long weekends, this serves as a reminder to all Filipinos to appreciate and honor these days given that they serve a much higher purpose than merely providing days off from work or school.
These are critical to cultural preservation, historical reflection, community building, and education. Celebrating these dates improves the national identity while also contributing to the country’s overall well-being.
