Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 491)
Proclamation No. 491 declares Friday, 22 March 2024, as a special (non-working) day in the City of Baliwag, Province of Bulacan.
Lucas P. Bersamin, the Executive Secretary, signed Proclamation No. 491 by authority of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
March 22, 2024, marks the 161st birth anniversary of Mariano Ponce, a native of Baliwag and a prominent figure in the Philippine reform movement during Spanish colonization.
Mariano Ponce was a native of Baliwag, Bulacan, known as a prominent member of the propaganda movement and one of the leading figures in the Philippine reform movement during Spanish colonization.
A special (non-working) day means employees are generally not required to work, and if they do, they may be entitled to additional compensation under labor laws; it also allows citizens to observe and participate in commemorative activities.
The special non-working day applies only to the City of Baliwag in the Province of Bulacan.
The Executive Secretary can issue proclamations declaring special days by authority delegated by the President of the Philippines.
Employees who work on a special (non-working) day are entitled to receive at least 30% additional pay for the first eight hours of work under the Philippine Labor Code.
No, the declaration applies specifically to the City of Baliwag, Province of Bulacan only.
The purpose is to give the people full opportunity to participate in the celebration and to honor the historical significance of the individual in Philippine history.