List of National Holidays in the Philippines 2023
Did you know that Filipinos enjoy two types of holidays in the Philippines? Regular non-working and special non-working days are celebrated each year to commemorate significant people’s contribution to the country. It is also a reminder of the archipelago’s important religious and historical events.
The nationwide public holidays vary year by year. In 2023, some regular holidays are made into special working days. This is to support the country’s economic recovery during the post-pandemic era.
If you want to know more about the national holidays in 2023, feel free to check out this link.
Who Mandates the National Holidays of the Philippines?
How Important is a Public Holiday for Filipinos?
For most Filipinos, a public holiday is an opportunity to spend time with their loved ones. This is why most known tourist destinations in the country are full and busy during long weekends and non-working holidays.
For private sector employees who are under “No Work, No Pay Policy”, it is also a chance to earn more. During regular holidays, reporting to duty could earn them 200% of their daily salary, while those who did not render services still receive a full (or 100%) daily pay. Moreover, working on a special non-working holiday earns them a 30% top up daily pay.
You may browse our most popular Philippines destinations post to have an idea of where to spend your vacation in the Philippines.
List of National Holidays in the Philippines
Since July 2007, holiday economics or “holiday manipulation” was made part of the major economic policies of the Philippines. Since The country is enjoying long weekends as regular and non-working holidays are celebrated on the nearest Monday.
Anchored on this law, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (PBBM) specified the date of movable holidays through a presidential proclamation. PBBM made sure that such an announcement was made 6 months before the celebration date of the holiday under modification.
The following are the regular holidays for 2023:
January 1- New Year’s Day
April 6 - Maundy Thursday
April 7 - Good Friday
April 9 - Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor)
May 1 - Labor Day
June 12 - Independence Day
August 28 (last Monday of August) - National Heroes’ Day
November 30 - Bonifacio Day
December 25 - Christmas Day
December 30 - Rizal Day
The Special Non-Working holidays are listed below.
February 25 - EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary
April 8 - Black Saturday
August 21 - Ninoy Aquino Day
November 1 - All Saints’ Day
November 2 - Additional Special (Non-working) Day
December 8 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary
December 31 - Christmas Eve; Last Day of the Year
How are Public Holidays Observed in the Philippines?
Since all government offices and most private establishments are closed on public holidays, Filipinos have a unique way of celebrating the non-working days. You’ll see many locals sharing good times with their families in shopping malls, theaters, restaurants, and entertainment centers.
Meanwhile, those people working in business and tourism-related institutions report to work and adjust their operating hours to accommodate possible high volume of tourist visits on holidays.
How to Get Around the Philippines During Public Holidays?
If you look forward to paying a visit to the country’s famous tourist destinations during these public days, get ready for traffic congestion and a huge crowd ahead of you. Getting around the country on these non-working days can be overwhelming
But, here’s a catch. Book a ride ahead of time, so you’ll have a more comfortable trip. Just like accommodations in the Philippines, local public transportation like airlines, buses, and ferries can also get fully booked on a peak season.
How Busy Major City Streets Are During Public Holidays?
During special seasons, the traffic in Metro Manila and other bigger cities in the Philippines is usually light. Most residents are on vacation, while some simply stay at home.
But, expect a bumper-to-bumper ride the day before the start of the long weekend. Streets can also get very busy on the last day of the holidays. Despite all these, you’ll surely enjoy the experience of sharing the beautiful view of the popular travel destinations with the locals on these days.
The Christmas season has a totally different scene. Known as the busiest time of the year, the traffic in Metro Manila, Cebu, Baguio, and other major cities in the Philippines is heavy. It is because most people go around malls and shopping centers to buy presents. Locally called “Pasko” (Christmas), Filipinos usually attend religious gatherings, visit their friends and families in the province, and go on family outings.
Where Does the Philippines Base Its Public Holidays?
Public holidays in the Philippines are determined by the laws made by the Congress, and the executive authority of the current president. These holidays are anchored on the different religious, historical, and cultural activities of people all throughout the archipelago.
Moreover, the local chief executives such as mayors (in cities) and governors (in provinces) can declare localized holidays. This is to ensure people’s safety during disasters and emergencies.
You might have noticed that the date of some holidays changes yearly. So, make sure to have up-to-date information about it before you make any plans to fly to the Philippines.
With the right facts on the best time to travel in the Philippines, you will have the best experience exploring this amazing country.