New law declares Sept. 8 a special working holiday

MANILA, Philippines—President Rodrigo Duterte has declared September 8 of every year a special working holiday to commemorate the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Duterte signed Republic Act 11370 on August 8, declaring Sept. 8 of every year a special working holiday nationwide to commemorate the birth of the Virgin Mary.

The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the oldest Marian solemnities and one of the principal feasts of the liturgical devotion to the Blessed Mother.

A working holiday means that there will be classes in schools and offices and other establishments will be open.

President Duterte declares Sept. 8 of every year a special working holiday to commemorate the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/dLWfVTWRmK

— Darryl John Esguerra (@DJEsguerraINQ) August 13, 2019