Palace declares Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 as special holidays

Malacañang may have just as well become everyone’s Secret Santa as they declared Dec. 26, 2016 and Jan. 2, 2017 as special non-working holidays.

Acting Executive Secretary Menandro Guevarra made the announcement via Proclamation No. 117 to “give the people full opportunity to celebrate the holidays with their families and loves ones.” December 25 and January 1 are regular holidays, though both fall on a Sunday.

LONG WEEKEND FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR. Acting Exec. Sec. Menandro Guevarra signed Proclamation No. 117 announcing Dec. 26, 2016 and January 2, 2017 as special non-working holidays. Photo grabbed from CNN Philippines on Twitter.

The declaration is also expected to “promote domestic tourism and enables employers to plan their work schedules effectively and efficiently, resulting in improved productivity.” The proclamation also directed the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to issue a circular for the private sector.

Source: Inquirer.net, Philippine Information Agency, CNN Philippines