The Philippine Information Agency has issued a clarification that Thursday, Feb. 8 is not a nation-wide holiday but a holiday exclusive to select Muslim areas in the country in observance of Israh Wal Mi’raj (The Night of Ascent).
In an announcement posted on its social media site, the PIA said that Feb. 8 is also a holiday in Tiaong, Quezon to commemorate the birth anniversary of former Sen. Claro M. Recto, as declared by Malacañang.
The Muslim holiday on Feb. 8, according to the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, shall only be officially observed in: Basilan, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Cotabato, Iligan, Marawi, Pagadian, and Zamboanga.
“The Night of Ascent” is the time when Prophet Muhammad was believed to have given the five prescribed daily prayers.
The Tiaong, Quezon proclamation, on the other hand, honors the legacy of Senator Recto, a key figure in Philippine history who also served as Supreme Court Justice. Recto authored the Rizal Law, an Act to include in the curricula of all public and private schools, colleges and universities courses on the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, authorizing their printing and distribution, and for other purposes.
Meanwhile, the nation-wide regular holidays for 2024 are:
Jan. 1 New Year’s Day
March 28 Maundy Thursday March 29 Good Friday
April 9 Araw ng Kagitingan May 1 Labor Day
June 12 Independence Day
Aug. 26 Natl Heroes Day
Nov. 30 Bonifacio Day
Dec. 25 Christmas Day
Dec. 30 Rizal Day
Also, the special non-working days holiays are:
Aug. 21 Ninoy Aquino Day
Nov. 1 All Saints Day
Dec. 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception Dec. 31 Last day of the year
Moreover, additional special non-working days:
Feb. 9 Chinese New Year March 30 Black Saturday
Nov. 2 All Souls Day
Dec. 24 Christmas Eve (JCO/PIA-NCR)
