Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 316)
Proclamation No. 316 declares Wednesday, 20 September 2023, as a special (non-working) day in the Province of Ilocos Norte to commemorate the birth anniversary of Josefa Llanes Escoda.
Josefa Llanes Escoda was the founder of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines and was born in Dingras, Ilocos Norte on 20 September 1898.
Declaring a special (non-working) day means that government offices and select businesses in the specified area may be closed, and employees are not required to work but are generally entitled to observe the holiday without losing pay, subject to the Labor Code and relevant implementing rules.
The President of the Philippines, or an authorized executive official such as the Executive Secretary, has the authority to declare special (non-working) days through a proclamation.
The proclamation applies only to the Province of Ilocos Norte and does not affect other regions or the national government.
The day was declared to commemorate the birth anniversary of Josefa Llanes Escoda, a notable historical figure from Ilocos Norte.
The Executive Secretary, by authority delegated by the President, signs and issues the proclamation officializing the declaration of the special (non-working) day.
No. While government agencies and some private entities usually observe the special (non-working) day, the rules for pay and employee work requirements depend on existing labor laws and company policies.
No penalties are specified in the proclamation; it merely declares the day. Penalties, if any, would be based on general labor laws or specific company rules.
The proclamation must be signed by the President or authorized official, sealed with the Republic's seal, and officially published or promulgated to inform the public and government entities.