Special holidays in 6 LGUs declared for March

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has approved special nonworking days in six local government units (LGUs) in March, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

March 20 is a holiday in San Fernando, La Union, for its founding anniversary. March 10 is observed in Tanauan City, Batangas, marking its 25^th cityhood anniversary, and also in Norala, South Cotabato, for its local founding celebration.

March 13 is a holiday in Bauko, Mountain Province for the Begnas di Bauko Festival, a thanksgiving event honoring ancestors and the community’s harvest traditions.

Masbate province will observe March 18 for its 125^th founding anniversary. Aguilar, Pangasinan celebrates March 16 for the Ansakket Festival, highlighting rice-based delicacies and harvest customs.

Meanwhile, Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro clarified that the start of Ramadan on Feb. 18 is not a holiday; only the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, is a regular holiday in the Philippines.

Special nonworking days typically suspend classes and government work in the affected areas, while private businesses have discretion over operations. These holidays aim to recognize local history, culture and community traditions.

Critics, however, warn that the growing number of special holidays could affect productivity and increase business costs by reducing the number of working days.

Policymakers face a trade-off between honoring local customs and sustaining economic momentum. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana