Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 709)
Proclamation No. 709 officially declares Thursday, May 2, 2019, a special (non-working) day in the Municipality of Bauan, Province of Batangas, in recognition of the Sublian Festival celebration.
The President of the Philippines, through the Executive Secretary, has the authority to declare special (non-working) days as shown in the proclamation signed by Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea by authority of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
The purpose is to give the people of the Municipality of Bauan the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the Sublian Festival with appropriate ceremonies.
A 'special (non-working) day' is a day declared by the government where work is generally suspended, allowing people to celebrate or commemorate a particular occasion but it is distinguished from a regular holiday.
Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea signed the proclamation by authority of the President.
On a special (non-working) day, employers may not be required to pay for work done unless specified by law or company policy, but generally, workers benefit from a day off to participate in the celebration without work obligations.
The President, through the Executive Secretary, exercises such power under the administrative authority vested by law and in the Constitution to promote cultural and civic observances.
The proclamation specifically declares the special (non-working) day only for the Municipality of Bauan, Province of Batangas.
The Sublian Festival is the occasion for which the special (non-working) day was declared in the Municipality of Bauan.