If you’re working or studying in Metro Manila, here’s an important announcement you should know about.
Malacañang has officially declared November 16, 17, and 18, 2026, as special non-working days in the National Capital Region (NCR) in connection with the Philippines’ hosting of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
That’s three consecutive days covering Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
And here’s something that makes the announcement even more interesting. Since November 16 falls on a Monday, employees who normally have Saturdays and Sundays off could potentially enjoy a five-day break from November 14 to 18.
Of course, that depends on your employer’s operations and work schedule.
But before you start planning a vacation, there’s one important detail you should remember.
The holiday declaration applies only to Metro Manila. It is not a nationwide holiday.
So, what exactly does this announcement mean for employees, students, private companies, government offices, and travelers?
Will there be no classes? Are private companies required to close? Will employees receive holiday pay? And what happens if you’re still required to report for work?
Let’s go through the official announcement and explain everything you need to know about the ASEAN Summit 2026 holidays.
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November 16–18, 2026 Declared Special Non-Working Days in Metro Manila
Under Proclamation No. 1447, Series of 2026, Malacañang declared November 16 to 18 as special non-working days throughout the National Capital Region.
The proclamation was signed on September 17, 2026, by Acting Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto, by authority of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
The Presidential Communications Office announced the declaration on September 22, 2026.
According to Malacañang, the special non-working days are intended to help ease traffic congestion and allow authorities to implement appropriate security measures during the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
The Philippines is hosting the regional gathering, which will bring together leaders, government officials, and international delegations.
With several important meetings taking place in Metro Manila, authorities expect increased security requirements and possible disruptions to regular traffic.
The holiday declaration is one of the government’s measures to help manage these activities.
ASEAN Summit 2026 Holiday Dates
Here are the official dates:
| Date | Day | Holiday Classification |
|---|---|---|
| November 16, 2026 | Monday | Special Non-Working Day |
| November 17, 2026 | Tuesday | Special Non-Working Day |
| November 18, 2026 | Wednesday | Special Non-Working Day |
Coverage: National Capital Region (Metro Manila) only.
These are special non-working days, not regular holidays.
That distinction matters, especially when it comes to employee compensation.
Is November 16–18, 2026 a Nationwide Holiday?
No.
The declaration covers only the National Capital Region.
This means the three special non-working days apply within Metro Manila, which includes its 16 cities and the municipality of Pateros.
The covered local government areas are:
- Manila
- Quezon City
- Caloocan
- Makati
- Pasig
- Taguig
- Pasay
- Parañaque
- Las Piñas
- Muntinlupa
- Mandaluyong
- San Juan
- Marikina
- Valenzuela
- Malabon
- Navotas
- Pateros
If you’re working or studying in one of these areas, the declaration is relevant to you.
However, neighboring provinces such as Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, and Rizal are not automatically covered by Proclamation No. 1447.
For example, if you’re working in Dasmariñas, Cavite, November 16 to 18 won’t automatically become special non-working days simply because Metro Manila has declared a holiday.
Additional holidays or suspensions outside NCR would require a separate applicable declaration or announcement.
Will There Be No Classes on November 16–18, 2026?
This is probably one of the biggest questions among students and parents.
Since November 16 to 18 have been declared special non-working days throughout Metro Manila, schools in the region are expected to observe the holiday declaration.
However, the proclamation itself does not provide a detailed, school-by-school class suspension schedule.
Students and parents should still check the announcements of the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, their respective schools, or local education authorities.
Public Schools
Public schools in Metro Manila should follow the applicable government holiday declaration and any implementing instructions issued by education authorities.
Schools may also announce adjustments to examinations, activities, and other academic requirements scheduled during the affected dates.
Private Schools
Private schools and universities should likewise review the holiday declaration and provide their students with official instructions.
The announcement may affect face-to-face classes, examinations, school activities, and administrative operations.
However, schools should clarify whether any activities will be rescheduled or handled through alternative arrangements.
What About Online Classes?
Don’t automatically assume that every online activity will be canceled.
Schools should clarify how the declared holiday affects their academic schedules and learning activities.
The safest thing to do is wait for an official advisory from your school rather than relying on social media announcements.
Are Private Companies Included in the November 16–18 Holidays?
Yes. The special non-working day declaration is relevant to private-sector employers and employees covered by the NCR holiday.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean every private business must stop operating.
Some establishments may continue operations during the holidays, particularly businesses providing essential services or serving customers around the clock.
These may include hospitals, hotels, restaurants, convenience stores, transportation services, business process outsourcing companies, and other establishments that maintain holiday operations.
The important distinction is that employees who are required to work during the special non-working days are generally entitled to the applicable holiday premium under labor regulations.
In fact, the Department of Labor and Employment has already issued specific pay guidelines for the three-day holiday period.
DOLE Holiday Pay Rules for November 16–18, 2026
The Department of Labor and Employment issued Labor Advisory No. 16, Series of 2026, outlining the payment of wages during the special non-working days in Metro Manila.
The advisory, signed on September 28, 2026, covers November 16, 17, and 18.
Here’s how the rules work.
1. If You Do Not Work
For employees who do not report for work during a special non-working day, the general rule is:
No work, no pay.
This means employees generally aren’t entitled to receive wages for an unworked special non-working day unless a company policy, established practice, or collective bargaining agreement provides otherwise.
For example, a company may have a policy that grants paid holidays even when employees don’t report for work.
In that situation, the employee may still receive compensation based on the company’s existing policy.
Monthly-paid employees should also check their employment terms and payroll arrangements.
2. If You Work on November 16–18
Employees who report for work during the special non-working days are entitled to receive 130% of their basic wage for the first eight hours.
Here’s the formula:
Basic Daily Wage × 130%
Let’s say your basic daily wage is ₱1,000.
Your holiday pay for eight hours of work would be:
₱1,000 × 1.30 = ₱1,300
That means you’ll receive an additional ₱300 above your regular basic daily wage.
3. If You Work Overtime
If you work beyond eight hours during a special non-working day, you’ll receive an additional 30% of the applicable hourly rate for overtime work.
The formula is:
Basic Hourly Rate × 130% × 130% × Overtime Hours
Using a basic daily wage of ₱1,000, your basic hourly rate is ₱125.
For one hour of overtime:
₱125 × 1.30 × 1.30 = ₱211.25
Your total pay for nine hours of work would therefore be:
₱1,300 + ₱211.25 = ₱1,511.25
4. If the Holiday Falls on Your Rest Day
Some employees, particularly those working in BPO companies, hospitals, and other businesses with shifting schedules, may have rest days that don’t fall on Saturdays and Sundays.
If you’re required to work on a special non-working day that also happens to be your scheduled rest day, the applicable rate is 150% of your basic daily wage for the first eight hours.
Formula:
Basic Daily Wage × 150%
For someone earning ₱1,000 daily:
₱1,000 × 1.50 = ₱1,500
If you also work overtime, the additional overtime rate is based on 130% of the applicable hourly rest-day holiday rate.
Summary of Holiday Pay Rules
| Work Arrangement | Applicable Rate |
|---|---|
| Did not work | No work, no pay, unless a policy or agreement provides otherwise |
| Worked for 8 hours | 130% of basic wage |
| Worked beyond 8 hours | Additional 30% of applicable holiday hourly rate |
| Worked on special day that is also a rest day | 150% of basic wage |
| Overtime on special day and rest day | Additional 30% of applicable rest-day holiday hourly rate |
These percentages follow DOLE Labor Advisory No. 16, Series of 2026.
Actual payroll computations may vary depending on employees’ covered wage components, work arrangements, and more favorable company policies.
What About BPO Employees and Workers With Shifting Schedules?
For employees working in the BPO industry, contact centers, and other companies that operate 24 hours a day, the ASEAN Summit holidays may not necessarily mean three days off.
Many BPO companies continue serving international customers during Philippine holidays.
If your company requires you to report for work on November 16, 17, or 18, the applicable special non-working day pay rules generally apply to covered work in NCR.
For instance, if you work in a contact center in Quezon City and your shift falls on November 17, you should check your company’s holiday schedule and confirm how the corresponding premium will appear on your payslip.
The same applies to employees with overnight shifts.
However, if you work remotely from outside Metro Manila for a company headquartered in NCR, the application of the regional holiday may require clarification.
Holiday coverage can depend on the work location, employment arrangements, and applicable labor rules.
For these situations, it’s best to consult your HR department or DOLE rather than assume the NCR premium automatically applies.
Will Government Offices Be Closed on November 16–18?
Government offices in Metro Manila are expected to observe the special non-working days, subject to applicable agency arrangements.
However, this doesn’t mean all government services will necessarily become unavailable.
Some government agencies provide essential, emergency, or continuously operating public services.
Others may maintain limited personnel or alternative service arrangements.
If you’re planning to visit government offices such as the DFA, PSA, SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, LTO, NBI, or other agencies during these dates, check their official announcements first.
Appointments and transactions may be affected.
For travelers and residents who need government documents, it may be better to schedule visits before November 16 or after November 18, unless the relevant agency confirms that services will continue.
Will Banks Be Open During the ASEAN Summit Holidays?
Banks in Metro Manila may implement adjusted branch schedules during the three special non-working days.
However, specific operating arrangements will depend on the announcements of individual banks and relevant financial authorities.
Don’t automatically assume that every bank branch will be closed.
Some banks may maintain selected branches or offer limited services.
Digital banking applications, ATMs, and other electronic services may continue operating, although transaction processing and clearing schedules can be affected by holiday arrangements.
If you have an important bank transaction scheduled for November 16 to 18, consider completing it earlier.
You should also check your bank’s official website, mobile app, or social media channels for announcements.
Why Did the Government Declare Three Special Non-Working Days?
The declaration is connected to the Philippines’ hosting of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
ASEAN, or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is a regional organization that promotes cooperation among Southeast Asian countries.
The summit brings together regional leaders and representatives of partner countries to discuss important issues involving economic cooperation, regional security, diplomacy, trade, and other shared concerns.
Hosting such a major international gathering requires extensive preparation.
This includes airport arrangements, security operations, traffic management, transportation coordination, and protection for visiting delegations.
Many of these activities are expected to take place in Metro Manila, particularly around the locations hosting summit meetings and official events.
By declaring three special non-working days, the government aims to reduce regular traffic volume and help security personnel manage movement around the event venues.
The announcement is therefore both a holiday declaration and part of the country’s preparations for the international gathering.
ASEAN Summit 2026: Expect Traffic Restrictions and Road Closures
Even with the special non-working days, motorists and commuters should prepare for temporary traffic restrictions in parts of Metro Manila.
The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City is one of the main venues associated with the summit.
According to a Philippine Information Agency report dated October 27, Pasay authorities announced temporary road closures and traffic changes in connection with the event.
The reported schedule includes partial restrictions from October 24 to November 9 and more extensive closures from November 9 to 20, 2026.
Roads and areas potentially affected include portions of Roxas Boulevard, Diokno Boulevard, Macapagal Boulevard, and routes around the PICC, Cultural Center of the Philippines, and World Trade Center.
These restrictions may affect commuters, motorists, and travelers heading to nearby establishments.
However, traffic arrangements can still change depending on security requirements.
If you need to travel through Pasay, especially around the summit venues, check the latest official advisories before leaving.
Will Flights Be Affected by the ASEAN Summit?
Travelers using Ninoy Aquino International Airport should also prepare for possible changes in airport operations and transportation arrangements.
Major international events often involve special security procedures and coordination for arriving and departing official delegations.
As a result, airlines may announce schedule changes, flight cancellations, or operational adjustments during affected periods.
However, the three-day holiday declaration itself does not mean that all commercial flights will be canceled.
If you have a flight scheduled around November 16 to 18, here are a few practical reminders:
- Check your flight status directly with your airline.
- Monitor advisories from NAIA and relevant aviation authorities.
- Allow additional travel time when heading to the airport.
- Watch for announcements about road closures and traffic restrictions.
- Don’t rely solely on your original booking itinerary if your airline has issued a schedule adjustment.
For travelers coming from Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, or other nearby provinces, road restrictions in Metro Manila may still affect your journey even though your province isn’t covered by the holiday declaration.
Is There a Five-Day Long Weekend in November 2026?
Yes, potentially.
For employees who normally have Saturday and Sunday as their rest days and who are not required to work during the special non-working days, the declaration creates an opportunity for five consecutive days without scheduled work.
Here’s how the dates fall:
| Date | Day | Status |
|---|---|---|
| November 14 | Saturday | Usual weekend rest day |
| November 15 | Sunday | Usual weekend rest day |
| November 16 | Monday | Special Non-Working Day in NCR |
| November 17 | Tuesday | Special Non-Working Day in NCR |
| November 18 | Wednesday | Special Non-Working Day in NCR |
| November 19 | Thursday | Ordinary working day, unless otherwise announced |
That’s potentially five consecutive days from November 14 to 18.
However, whether you actually receive all five days off depends on your work schedule, operational requirements, and employer policies.
And remember, special non-working days don’t automatically guarantee paid time off.
If you’re planning a trip during this period, make sure you confirm your company’s schedule before making non-refundable bookings.
Frequently Asked Questions About the ASEAN Summit 2026 Holidays
Is November 16, 2026 a holiday in the Philippines?
Yes. Monday, November 16, 2026, has been declared a special non-working day in the National Capital Region under Proclamation No. 1447.
It is not a nationwide holiday.
Is November 17, 2026 a special non-working day?
Yes. Tuesday, November 17, 2026, is included in the three-day special non-working holiday declaration for Metro Manila.
Is November 18, 2026 a holiday?
Yes. Wednesday, November 18, 2026, is also a special non-working day throughout NCR.
Is the ASEAN Summit holiday nationwide?
No. Proclamation No. 1447 applies only to Metro Manila.
Other regions and provinces aren’t automatically covered.
Is November 16–18 a regular holiday or special non-working holiday?
The three dates are classified as special non-working days.
They are not regular holidays.
This distinction affects holiday pay computations.
Are private employees included in the ASEAN Summit holidays?
Yes. The NCR special non-working day declaration and applicable DOLE pay guidelines are relevant to covered private-sector employees.
However, companies may continue operating during these dates.
Employees who work should receive the applicable holiday premium.
Will BPO companies have no work on November 16–18?
Not necessarily.
Many BPO and contact center companies operate during Philippine holidays.
Employees should confirm their schedules with their employers.
Applicable holiday pay rules must be observed for covered work.
Will there be no classes on November 16–18?
Schools in Metro Manila are expected to observe the special non-working days, but students and parents should check announcements from their schools and education authorities for specific class and examination arrangements.
Are Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, and Rizal included?
No. These provinces are outside the National Capital Region and are not included in the proclamation.
A separate declaration would be required to extend comparable holiday coverage to those locations.
Will employees receive double pay?
Not under the standard rules for these special non-working days.
Employees who work for eight hours are generally entitled to 130% of their basic wage, while employees who work on a special day that is also their scheduled rest day receive 150%.
Double-pay rules generally apply to regular holidays under different conditions.
What if I don’t work on November 16–18?
The general rule is no work, no pay, unless a company policy, established practice, or collective bargaining agreement provides otherwise.
Is November 19, 2026 also a holiday?
No additional NCR holiday for November 19 is established by Proclamation No. 1447.
Thursday, November 19, remains an ordinary working day unless another applicable declaration is issued.
Why are November 16–18 declared holidays?
The government declared the three dates as special non-working days to help reduce traffic congestion and support security arrangements for the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Metro Manila.
Where can I read the official proclamation?
You can read Proclamation No. 1447, Series of 2026, through the Supreme Court E-Library.
The Presidential Communications Office also published an official announcement about the November 16–18 special non-working days.
For holiday pay, refer to DOLE’s announcement on Labor Advisory No. 16, Series of 2026.
Final Thoughts
The declaration of November 16 to 18, 2026, as special non-working days is an important development for employees, students, businesses, and travelers in Metro Manila.
For some, it could mean an extended break from work or school.
For others, particularly employees in industries that continue operating during holidays, it means understanding the applicable pay rules and making necessary arrangements with their employers.
But the most important thing to remember is that these are Metro Manila holidays, not nationwide holidays.
If you’re working in NCR, confirm your company’s arrangements and review the DOLE guidelines.
If you’re a student, watch for official announcements from your school.
And if you’re traveling through Metro Manila during the ASEAN Summit, prepare for possible traffic restrictions and transportation changes.
The Philippines will be welcoming important international delegations during this period, so some temporary adjustments to daily activities are expected.
Hopefully, this guide helps you understand the November 16–18 ASEAN Summit holidays and prepare for the days ahead.
Last updated: November 2, 2026. This article is based on Proclamation No. 1447, Series of 2026, DOLE Labor Advisory No. 16, Series of 2026, and available government advisories. Additional announcements concerning school operations, government services, transportation, and traffic arrangements may be issued before the summit.
