Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 494)
The purpose of Proclamation No. 494 is to declare Wednesday, March 20, 2024, a special (non-working) day in the City of San Fernando, Province of La Union, in celebration of its Founding Anniversary.
Declaring a special (non-working) day means that employees in the declared area are generally entitled to a day off work without loss of salary. If they work, they are entitled to additional pay as per the labor laws governing special days.
The special (non-working) day applies specifically to the City of San Fernando, Province of La Union only.
A special (non-working) day is a holiday declared by law or proclamation but does not require automatic paid day off. If an employee works on a special day, they receive an additional 30% pay for the first 8 hours. A regular holiday requires paid day off regardless of work unless absent with no valid reason.
The Founding Anniversary of the City of San Fernando is the event being commemorated, which serves as the occasion for declaring the special non-working day to allow full participation and celebration by its residents.
The President of the Philippines, through the Executive Secretary, has the authority to declare special non-working days via official proclamations.
Proclamation No. 494 is only applicable in the City of San Fernando, Province of La Union, and not nationwide.
The proclamation includes the formal citation of authority, the date and place of issuance, the signature of the Executive Secretary, and the affixing of the seal of the Republic of the Philippines.
Employers can require work but must comply with labor laws on special non-working days, which may include additional payment or benefits for employees working on this day.