President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a series of special non-working days across various localities in the Philippines throughout October. This move is aimed at enabling residents to engage in local festivals, anniversaries, and commemorative events that hold cultural and historical significance.
The list of declared holidays kicks off on October 7 with Malita in Davao Occidental, celebrating its town fiesta. San Isidro in Surigao del Norte follows on October 9, marking its 67th founding anniversary. Talisay in Batangas will observe a special day on October 12 to commemorate the Battle of Batangas.
On October 16, Lapuyan in Zamboanga del Sur will celebrate its 69th founding anniversary. The town of Batac in Ilocos Norte will honor the 160th birth anniversary of General Artemio Ricarte on October 20. Meanwhile, Sibutu in Tawi-Tawi will have its founding anniversary on October 21.
October 23 sees two celebrations: Angeles City in Pampanga will host the Tigtigan Terakan Keng Dalan Festival, while Narvacan in Ilocos Sur celebrates the Aldaw Ti Wayawaya-lli A Narvacan. Following this, Dingle in Iloilo will commemorate the Cry of Lincud on October 28.
The month concludes with Mati City in Davao Oriental celebrating the Sambuokan Festival on October 29. These special non-working days have been formalized through presidential proclamations, reflecting the government’s support for local communities to participate in their cultural and historical observances.