With Proclamation 368, issued in October 2023, the government has outlined a detailed schedule of both regular and special non-working holidays for the year.
This move, aimed at creating extended periods of rest adjacent to weekends, presents a unique opportunity for everyone to plan their year more productively.
The long weekends for 2024 in the Philippines are arranged to maximize rest and offer ample opportunities for vacations or managing important transactions. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Content
March
A significant stretch of holidays starts with Maundy Thursday on March 28, followed by Good Friday on March 29, Black Saturday on March 30, and culminates with Easter Sunday on March 31. This sequence offers a perfect time for spiritual reflection or a much-needed getaway.
- March 28, Thursday: Maundy Thursday (regular holiday)
- March 29, Friday: Good Friday (regular holiday)
- March 30, Saturday: Black Saturday (additional special non-working day)
- March 31, Sunday: Easter Sunday
April
Another opportunity presents itself with the weekend of April 6-7, followed by a possible leave day on April 8, leading up to the Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9, Tuesday. This is an ideal time for a short vacation or to attend commemorative events.
- April 6-7, Saturday and Sunday
- April 8, Monday: Possible leave day
- April 9, Tuesday: Araw ng Kagitingan (regular holiday)
August
The month offers a longer break starting with Ninoy Aquino Day on August 21, Wednesday. By taking leave on August 22-23, you can enjoy a continuous break until National Heroes Day on August 26, Monday. This period is perfect for honoring the nation’s heroes or spending quality time with family.
- August 21, Wednesday: Ninoy Aquino Day (special non-working day)
- August 22-23, Thursday-Friday: Possible leave days
- August 24-25, Saturday and Sunday
- August 26, Monday: National Heroes Day (regular holiday)
November
The beginning of November brings a solemn time for remembrance with All Saints’ Day on November 1, Friday, followed by All Souls’ Day on November 2, Saturday, and then the weekend.
- November 1, Friday: All Saints’ Day (special non-working day)
- November 2, Saturday: All Souls’ Day (additional special non-working day)
- November 3, Sunday
December
The year-end brings the most extended holiday period. Starting from the weekend of December 21-22, you can plan leave on December 23, leading up to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The holidays continue with another weekend on December 28-29 and conclude with Rizal Day on December 30 and the Last Day of the Year on December 31. This period is ideal for celebrating the festive season and reflecting on the year.
- December 21-22, Saturday and Sunday
- December 23, Monday: Possible leave day
- December 24, Tuesday: Christmas Eve (additional special non-working day)
- December 25, Wednesday: Christmas Day (regular holiday)
- December 28-29, Saturday and Sunday
- December 30, Monday: Rizal Day (regular holiday)
- December 31, Tuesday: Last Day of the Year (special non-working day)
By marking these dates on your calendar and planning early, you can ensure a year that is both productive and rejuvenating. Whether it’s for leisure, personal errands, or simply to unwind, these extended breaks can be a valuable time to recharge and prepare for the challenges ahead.
