The People Power Monument, the 1986 revolution landmark on Edsa in Quezon City. INQUIRER file photo / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
President Marcos declared Friday, Feb. 24, a special nonworking day nationwide to create a long weekend and allow an earlier commemoration of the Edsa People Power Revolution that toppled his father’s dictatorship in 1986.
Proclamation No. 167, signed by the President and released by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Thursday, moved the holiday marking the 37th anniversary of the peaceful uprising from Feb. 25 to Feb. 24.
“[T]o enable our countrymen to avail of the benefits of a longer weekend pursuant to the principle of holiday economics, the celebration of Edsa People Power Revolution Anniversary may be moved from 25 February 2023 (Saturday) to 24 February 2023 (Friday), provided that the historical significance of Edsa People Power Revolution Anniversary is maintained,” the proclamation read.
The Department of Labor and Employment was directed to issue the appropriate circular to implement the proclamation for the private sector.
The President issued two proclamations last year listing the public holidays and special nonworking days for 2023, pursuant to Republic Act No. 9492, or the 2007 law “rationalizing” the celebration of national holidays.
Mr. Marcos also transferred some of the holidays this year to the nearest working day to provide the public a longer weekend.
In Ilocos for festival
On Friday, the President is expected to be in his home province of Ilocos Norte for the “Tan-ok ni Ilocano (The Greatness of the Ilocano) Festival of Festivals” at the newly refurbished Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium in Laoag City.
Thousands are expected to troop to the stadium to see performers from Ilocos Norte’s 21 towns and two cities. Launched in 2011 by the provincial government under then Ilocos Norte Gov. and now Sen. Imee Marcos, the festival returns after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic.