Marcos Declares Special Non-Working Holidays and Awareness Weeks for 2024
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially declared a series of special non-working holidays for cities and municipalities across the country for November and December 2024, enhancing local participation and cultural observances. The proclamations, signed on October 22, 2024, by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, bring attention to various regional celebrations while fostering community engagement.
Special Non-Working Holidays Announced
These special non-working days give localities the opportunity to celebrate their unique contributions, history, and culture. The declared non-working holidays are as follows:
- November 8: Tanay, Rizal (Proclamation 725)
- November 12: Valenzuela City (Proclamation 711)
- November 15: Oriental Mindoro (Proclamation 712)
- November 15: Borongan City, Eastern Samar (Proclamation 726)
- November 22: Palayan City, Nueva Ecija (Proclamation No. 713)
- November 22: Itogon, Benguet (Proclamation 715)
- November 22: Tublay, Benguet (Proclamation 716)
- November 23: Benguet Province (Proclamation 717)
- November 25: Marasugan, Davao de Oro (Proclamation 718)
- November 26: Dasmariñas City, Cavite (Proclamation 719)
- November 28: Sarangani Province (Proclamation 720)
- November 28: Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte (Proclamation 721)
- December 5: Palayan City, Nueva Ecija (Proclamation 714)
Promoting Awareness and Celebration
In addition to the holiday proclamations, President Marcos announced the establishment of "National Myopia Consciousness Week," to be observed during the second week of October each year. This initiative aims to raise awareness of the risks associated with myopia and emphasizes the importance of eye health across the nation.
“By promoting National Myopia Consciousness Week, we are not just enhancing awareness; we are committing to the long-term health of our citizens,” Marcos stated in his proclamation.
Moreover, the 19th of October has been designated as "Transport Cooperative Day," an initiative to acknowledge the crucial role that transport cooperatives play in improving public transportation in various communities. Marcos has called on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and related bodies to spearhead this observance.
Architectural Month Celebrations
Another significant proclamation is the declaration of December as the Philippine Architecture Festival – National Architecture Month under Proclamation 724. This month-long celebration will succeed a tradition that dates back to 1971 when the second week of December was initially designated as Architecture Week.
The celebrations aim to honor the contributions of Filipino architects and underscore their vital role in urban planning, sustainability, and social development. Marcos emphasized the importance of architecture in shaping society, stating, “This month-long celebration offers an extensive platform to promote the various aspects of architecture while recognizing Filipino architects’ contributions to our nation’s progress.”
Encouraging Community Involvement
Local government units, non-government organizations, and private sectors are encouraged to actively participate in these events. The collaboration between these entities is key to maximizing the impact and outreach of these observances.
The Philippines continues to recognize the importance of local traditions and community consciousness, fostering an environment where citizens can come together in celebration and awareness.
As we look forward to these observances in November and December 2024, it is essential for every Filipino to engage in their local cultures and health awareness campaigns. This is a perfect opportunity to reflect on how our communities contribute to our nation’s growth, sustainability, and collective well-being.
What are your thoughts on the new proclamations? Are there local festivities you are excited to celebrate? Share your views in the comments section below!
For further insights into upcoming policies affecting our communities, stay tuned to our website and explore related articles about health awareness and community engagement initiatives.
