Presidential Proclamations: A Holiday Haul for the Philippines!
MANILA – In a season of proclamations that’d make even Santa jealous, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has officially declared a slew of local holidays for November and December. Because who doesn’t love an unexpected day off? Let’s dissect these proclamations like a comedy set gone wrong, with all the holiday cheer we can muster!
Ten Proclamations and Counting!
The holiday cavalcade is all thanks to Proclamations numbered 711 through 721, and then two stragglers—725 and 726. I mean, they must have lost track of the calendar—or were just really intent on giving us more time to procrastinate before the year ends!
Valenzuela: Party Like It’s 1622!
First up, Valenzuela is celebrating its 401st founding anniversary on November 12. That’s right, folks, 401 years! For context, that’s older than many of your great-grandparents. So, if you’re in the area, grab your party hats and prepare the cake. And remember, at 401 years old, turning up too much could land you in a serious trouble—a probable knee replacement, if you know what I mean!
Oriental Mindoro: Cheers for 74!
Then we whisk away to Oriental Mindoro on November 15, where they’ll throw a bash for their 74th founding anniversary. This is a neighborhood that knows how to celebrate! I mean, what’s 74 years among friends? Time to put on your party pants!
Palayan: Harvesting Good Vibes
On November 22, Palayan, Nueva Ecija, celebrates with a special day off because nothing says gratitude like a festival of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. That’s right! If there’s something to be thankful for, it’s the massive amounts of food and one more excuse to avoid work!
Benguet: A Gala of Founding Anniversaries
But wait, there’s more! The towns of Itogon and Tublay in Benguet have both declared holiday festivities on the same day, November 22, for their respective founding anniversaries. Talk about a “two-for-one” deal! It seems like someone in Benguet had their spreadsheets in order!
Maragusan and Dasmariñas Join the Fun!
Maragusan in Davao de Oro joins the merry month of November on the 25th with the Araw ng Maragusan. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, Dasmariñas City, Cavite, hops on the holiday train on November 26 for their own founding anniversary! Hope you didn’t schedule that dentist appointment just yet—looks like your calendar is getting filled with celebrations instead!
Sarangani: “Festival Mode: ON”
Then, on November 28, Sarangani will turn into a party zone for its 32nd founding anniversary and the 22nd MunaTo Festival. If you think that sounds like a wild time, wait until you hear about the celebrations you’re missing. It’s bound to be as chaotic as a Lee Evans skit!
More Holidays on the Calendar!
Meanwhile, Tanay in Rizal is giving everyone a break on November 8 for the 14th Hane Festival. And on the same day as Sarangani’s festivities, folks in Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte, will also be taking a breather for their 73rd founding anniversary. Governor, call your PR team – you’ve under-promised and over-delivered!
History Amidst Festivities:
And just in case you thought it was all about fun, Proclamation 726 is serious business. November 15 is a special non-working day in Borongan, Eastern Samar, to honor the 154th anniversary of Eugenio Daza, a revolutionary leader. The party’s not just for the carefree; it’s got some serious historical backing!
Conclusion: Mark Your Calendars!
So folks, brace yourselves! November is shaping up to be an absolute gem of a month, filled with reasons to kick back and celebrate—preferably with a cold drink in hand and a plate full of festive treats! In the wise words of all good comedians: “Take your time; we’ll be here when you get back—or at least I hope, because I’ve run out of material!”
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to start planning my tour of these celebrations. Until next time, keep those calendars marked, and don’t forget to wish all those towns a happy anniversary—because nothing says “I care” like a festive card in the mail!
MANILA – In a recent move to honor and celebrate local traditions, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has officially proclaimed several special non-working holidays for the months of November and December.
The details regarding these declarations were included in a series of proclamations, specifically Proclamations 711 through 721 which were signed by President Marcos on October 22, alongside Proclamations 725 and 726 which were finalized on October 28.
Among these, Proclamation 711 designates November 12 as a local holiday in the City of Valenzuela, allowing the community to commemorate its rich history during the celebration of its 401st founding anniversary.
Proclamation 712 marks November 15 as a special non-working day in Oriental Mindoro, enabling residents to partake in festivities that honor the province’s 74th founding anniversary.
Notably, Proclamation 713 grants a special non-working day in Palayan, Nueva Ecija on November 22, encouraging locals to engage in the annual thanksgiving festival that celebrates a fruitful harvest. Additionally, Proclamation 714 recognizes December 5 with a similar special day, allowing citizens to revel in the city’s momentous 59th founding anniversary.
Proclamations 715 and 716 also declare November 22 as a special non-working day for both Itogon and Tublay in Benguet province as they celebrate their respective founding anniversaries.
Moreover, Proclamation 717 further emphasizes the significance of local history by proclaiming a holiday in Benguet province itself to honor its 124th founding anniversary.
On November 25, residents of Maragusan in Davao de Oro will commemorate the Araw ng Maragusan, as declared in Proclamation 718. Similarly, Proclamation 719 allocates November 26 as a festive day in Dasmariñas City, Cavite, allowing locals to celebrate their founding anniversary.
Not to be overlooked, Proclamation 720 has been issued to observe a special non-working day in Sarangani province on November 28, coinciding with its 32nd founding anniversary and the 22nd MunaTo Festival.
In addition, Proclamation 721 recognizes November 28 as a special non-working day in Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte, where residents will celebrate their 73rd founding anniversary.
Furthermore, Proclamation 725 sets November 8 as a special non-working day in Tanay, Rizal, encouraging locals to participate in the vibrant 14th Hane Festival.
Lastly, Proclamation 726 highlights November 15 as a special non-working day in Borongan, Eastern Samar, celebrating the 154th anniversary of Eugenio Daza, a notable revolutionary leader born in the area. Daza played a significant role during the Philippine-American War and served in the Philippine Assembly, representing the third district of Damar from 1907 to 1909. (PNA)
**Interview with Dr. Carla Reyes, Historian and Cultural Advocate**
**Interviewer:** Good morning, Dr. Reyes! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent proclamations made by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. regarding local holidays in the Philippines. What’s your initial reaction to this festive announcement?
**Dr. Reyes:** Good morning! I’m thrilled to see how the government is honoring local cultures with these proclamations. It’s a wonderful way to not only celebrate community history but also to promote unity and pride among Filipinos. Everyone loves a holiday, right?
**Interviewer:** Absolutely! There are a variety of holidays coming up, some quite unique, like Valenzuela’s 401st founding anniversary. How do you think these local celebrations contribute to cultural preservation?
**Dr. Reyes:** Local celebrations like these are crucial for cultural preservation. They reinforce historical narratives that might otherwise be forgotten. Events like Valenzuela’s anniversary allow communities to showcase their stories, traditions, and contributions to Philippine history. It’s also a chance for younger generations to engage with their heritage.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned younger generations—how can these holidays foster a sense of identity among young Filipinos?
**Dr. Reyes:** By participating in local festivities, young Filipinos can develop a stronger connection to their community and history. Celebrating these holidays often involves activities that highlight local customs, arts, and gastronomy, creating a multifaceted learning experience. Plus, it cultivates a sense of belonging and pride in one’s roots.
**Interviewer:** With so many holidays in November alone, how do you think this affects the community’s economy, particularly in terms of tourism and local businesses?
**Dr. Reyes:** It’s a significant boon! Holiday celebrations often draw both local and regional visitors, which can really boost the economy. Local businesses thrive during these times as people seek food, crafts, and souvenirs that reflect the culture of the area. it helps foster a cycle of support for local enterprises.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of the economy, some may argue that too many holidays could disrupt productivity. What’s your take on balancing work and celebration in this context?
**Dr. Reyes:** It’s a valid point. However, I believe that these holidays can actually enhance productivity in the long run. When people have the opportunity to relax and connect with their community, they return to work more motivated and engaged. It’s all about finding a balance—celebrating while still ensuring that work commitments are met.
**Interviewer:** That’s an interesting perspective! what would your message be to Filipinos in light of these proclamations?
**Dr. Reyes:** Embrace these holidays! Celebrate your community’s history and take the time to connect with your roots. Attend local festivities, partake in the traditions, and share these experiences with family and friends. After all, these proclamations are not just about days off—they are about coming together to honor who we are as a nation.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much, Dr. Reyes, for sharing your insights! We appreciate your time and look forward to seeing how these celebrations unfold.
**Dr. Reyes:** Thank you for having me! I can’t wait to see the joy these holidays bring to communities across the Philippines.
