Palace declares half-day work on Holy Wednesday

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has suspended government work on April 5 from 12 p.m. onwards to allow state workers to prepare for the observance of Holy Week.

Under Memorandum Circular No. 16 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, by authority of the President, the government would implement a half-day work schedule to give employees the “full opportunity to properly observe” Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

This would also allow government workers “to travel to and from the different regions in the country,” the circular said.

The public will have a long weekend on the first week of April as Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), which falls on a Sunday, was moved to April 10, Monday.

The move was made under Proclamation No. 90 issued by Marcos in November last year “to encourage domestic travel and increase tourism expenditures in the country.”

The President said adjusting holidays would allow the public to avail of the benefits of a longer weekend pursuant to the principle of holiday economics.

“Let’s use this opportunity to give time to our loved ones while we remain responsible in following health and safety protocols. May this season be peaceful and meaningful for everyone,” Malacañang said in a statement in March.

The President earlier moved the Edsa 1 celebration to February 24, Friday, instead of February 25, which is a Saturday.

READ: Palace clarifies: February 25 is a regular working day

Marcos also moved November 30, Bonifacio Day, which falls on a Thursday, to November 27, Monday.

Meanwhile, Marcos will go on a retreat for a few days and spend time with his family in his first Holy Week break as the country’s chief executive.

“For me it’s simple, I’ll do what I do every year. I go into retreat for a few days and then I’ll spend Easter with my family,” The President told reporters after the milestone ceremony for the P175-billion Cavite-Bataan Interlink Bridge.

He said the government had already made the necessary preparations to ensure the safety of the public during the Lenten break.