MANILA, Philippines -- The law on “holiday economics” will give workers and students two long weekends toward the end of August.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo earlier issued Proclamation No. 1463 setting the specific dates of movable holidays as mandated by Republic Act No. 9492, which rationalized the celebration of the country's holidays.

R.A. 9492 provides that holidays, except those which are religious in nature, are moved to the nearest Monday unless otherwise modified by law, order or proclamation.

Thus, Ninoy Aquino Day, which celebrates the martyred anti-Marcos opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr., which falls on August 21, a Thursday this year, will be observed on the preceding Monday, August 18.

National Heroes' Day, which is on August 31, will be observed every last Monday of August, or on August 25 this year.

The President has tasked the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to promulgate the implementing guidelines for Proclamation 1463.