Proclamation season for local celebrations is in full swing as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (PBBM) has issued a set of proclamations creating special non-working days in five municipalities across the country. The moves, announced by Malacañang and signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, are intended to give residents more time to participate in founding anniversaries and locally significant festivals. The proclamations reflect a broader pattern of aligning national leadership with community celebrations, highlighting the importance of local culture, history, and civic pride.
H2: Antipas, Cotabato — Oct. 14 as a special non-working holiday (Proclamation 1052)
Antipas in Cotabato will observe a special non-working day on October 14 to mark its founding anniversary. The proclamation aims to enable residents to engage fully in community events, street parades, and local rites that typically accompany the town’s celebration. Antipas has a history of vibrant local traditions, and the day offers families, workers, and students a chance to participate without the constraint of work obligations. While the date is fixed for this year’s festivities, it also signals the administration’s recognition of long-standing municipal achievements and the importance of communal gatherings in sustaining civic spirit.
H3: Pantukan, Davao de Oro — Nov. 13 for the 88th founding anniversary and PASAKA Festival (Proclamation 1053)
Pantukan will observe November 13 as a special non-working day to celebrate its 88th founding anniversary. Additionally, the date coincides with the 23rd PASAKA Festival, a cultural event that showcases the region’s folklore, dance, and traditional crafts. The PASAKA Festival is a centerpiece for Pantukan’s annual celebrations, drawing participants from nearby areas and supporting local tourism. The proclamation underscores the value of allowing residents to immerse themselves in both historical remembrance and cultural expression, strengthening community bonds and local pride.
H3: Maragusan, Davao de Oro — Nov. 25 as a special non-working holiday (Proclamation 1054)
Maragusan will observe November 25 as a special holiday to commemorate Araw ng Maragusan, a day that honors the town’s history and contributions to the province. The announcement aligns with the broader objective of encouraging full participation in local milestones and public commemorations. Araw ng Maragusan often features community programs, fairs, and formal ceremonies, and the non-working day provides residents with flexibility to attend, engage, and support local initiatives. The measure is designed to strengthen social cohesion by prioritizing collective remembrance and celebration.
H2: Jiabong, Samar — Oct. 15 as a special non-working day for its founding anniversary (Proclamation 1055)
In Samar, Jiabong will designate October 15 as a special non-working day to commemorate its founding anniversary. The proclamation recognizes Jiabong’s role in regional history and the importance of municipal celebrations to local identity. Residents can participate in parades, cultural performances, and community programs that honor the town’s legacy while also providing a welcome break for families and workers alike.
H2: Pili, Camarines Sur — Oct. 24 for the Cimarrones Festival (Proclamation 1056)
Finally, Pili in Camarines Sur will mark October 24 as a special non-working day to celebrate the Cimarrones Festival, a key cultural event in the area. The festival highlights local folklore, traditional dances, and a sense of regional pride that resonates with residents and visitors alike. By designating a non-working day, the administration facilitates broader community participation, school and workplace flexibility, and the chance for more comprehensive participation in ceremonies and activities.
H2: What this means for local communities and governance
Executives note that such proclamations are appropriate and fitting, given the opportunity they provide for constituents to actively engage in community celebrations. The five proclamations illustrate how national leadership can support local culture and history without disrupting the broader economic and administrative life of the nation. In many towns, these holidays coincide with major events that attract attendees from neighboring areas, potentially boosting local commerce, hospitality, and tourism during the festival seasons.
H2: A note on implementation and public understanding
As with previous proclamations, local government units are expected to coordinate with employers, schools, and law enforcement to ensure safe and meaningful observances. Residents are encouraged to use these days to participate in founding anniversaries, parades, festivals, and commemorations while observing standard health and safety guidelines. The public should stay tuned to municipal information offices for event schedules and any adjustments to public services that may arise during these special non-working days.
H2: Conclusion
By declaring these five special non-working holidays, President Marcos continues to emphasize the value of community, culture, and shared history in the Philippines. The move supports local celebrations across diverse regions—from Cotabato to Camarines Sur—fostering participation, unity, and pride at the municipal level.
