Palace releases list of holidays in 2013

President Benigno Aquino III. FILE PHOTO

If you enjoy long weekends, you’re on a roll. Next year brings even more regular holidays falling on weekdays.

Citing Proclamation No. 459 signed by President Benigno Aquino, Malacañang on Saturday said that most of the regular holidays in 2013 would  fall on a weekday, some entailing long weekends.

New Year’s Day, January 1, falls on a Tuesday. Holy Week observation comes earlier next year, with Maundy Thursday and Good Friday set for March 28 and 29, respectively, Undersecretary Abigail Valte said over state-run dzRB.

The country will mark Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9, a Tuesday; Labor Day on May 1, a Wednesday; Independence Day on June 12, also a Wednesday; and National Heroes’ Day on August 26, a Monday, according to Valte, a deputy presidential spokesperson.

That means a long weekend in late August.

Bonifacio Day follows on November 30, a Saturday. Christmas Day falls on a Wednesday and Rizal Day (December 30) is on a Monday, rounding out the regular holidays.

The regular nonworking holidays are Black Saturday on March 30; Ninoy Aquino Day on August 21, a Wednesday; All Saints’ Day on November 1, a Friday, according to Valte.

Additional special nonworking days are November 2, a Saturday; and December 24, a Tuesday. The last day of the year, December 31, is a Tuesday. “That’s a holiday,” Valte said.

“And the Edsa Revolution anniversary on February 25, a Monday, is a special holiday for all schools,” she said.

“Of course the Eid’l Fitr and the Eid’l Adha will be announced once it’s determined which days their celebration falls on in accordance with the Islamic calendar,” she said, referring to Islam’s two greatest feasts. “Let’s wait for the advisory from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos.”

Eid’l Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Eid’l Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice or Day of Sacrifice, is observed after the hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.