Dec. 8 declared national holiday
President Duterte signed Republic Act 10966, declaring Dec. 8 of every year a special non-working holiday in the entire country “to commemorate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, the principal patroness of the Philippines.” xiquinhosilva/CC BY, File
MANILA, Philippines — Another day has been added to the country’s growing list of holidays and special non-working days.
President Duterte signed Republic Act 10966, declaring Dec. 8 of every year a special non-working holiday in the entire country “to commemorate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, the principal patroness of the Philippines.”
The bill, authored by majority leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas, was approved at the House of Representatives on May 2. Its Senate version was approved on Dec. 11.
The Philippines, being a predominantly Catholic nation, recognizes the Immaculate Conception as its patroness.
Catholic schools nationwide suspend classes on that day to celebrate the feast.
For next year, the country would already have at least 21 holidays and non-working days – Jan. 1 and 2; Feb. 16 and 25; March 29, 30 and 31; April 9; May 1; June 12 and 15; Aug. 21, 22 and 27; Nov. 1, 2 and 30; and Dec. 8, 24, 25, 30 and 31.
Additionally, there are special holidays in many local government units, like Manila, Quezon City and Davao City.
The President also signed RA 10965, which establishes a national science high school in Laoag City in Ilocos Norte to be known as Rodolfo CG Fariñas Jr. National Science High School. – Christina Mendez
- Latest
- Trending
