Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 440)
Proclamation No. 440 specifically applies to the City of Bayawan, Province of Negros Oriental.
The event being celebrated is the Tawo-Tawo Festival scheduled for 18 February 2024.
The special non-working day was declared on 16 February 2024, a Friday, because the actual festival date, 18 February 2024, falls on a Sunday. This change allows people to participate fully without conflicting with the usual Sunday rest day.
The Executive Secretary, by authority of the President of the Philippines, has the authority to declare a special (non-working) day.
Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin signed Proclamation No. 440.
A proclamation declaring a special (non-working) day means that work is suspended for that day, but unlike regular holidays, compensation rules may differ depending on the Labor Code and relevant implementing rules.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Bayawan requested the declaration of the special non-working day to allow the public to fully participate in the festival.
The President, through the Executive Secretary, can declare special (non-working) days pursuant to their powers under the Constitution and relevant laws to promote public welfare and recognize important events or activities.
Proclamation No. 440 declares a special (non-working) day, not a regular holiday.