Palace declares Manila Day a holiday

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has declared June 24 a special non-working day in Manila to allow its residents to celebrate the capital city’s 449th founding anniversary.

The declaration is contained in Proclamation No. 969 signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea by authority of President Duterte on June 19.

“It is but fitting and proper that the people of the City of Manila be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies, subject to community quarantine, social distancing, and other public health,” the proclamation read.

Manila was founded on June 24, 1571 by Spanish explorer and governor Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.

The first commemoration of Araw ng Maynila under Mayor Isko Moreno will be led by the city’s department of tourism, culture and arts and will be in line with the city government’s desire to recognize the bravery and dedication of health workers in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.