Sept. 8 now a special working holiday

By Genalyn Kabiling 

President Duterte has signed a law declaring September 8 of every year as a special working holiday to commemorate the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Malacañang Palace. (Photo by Richard V. Viñas / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

The holiday declaration seeking to honor Mary in the predominantly Catholic nation was contained in Republic Act No. 11370 signed by the President last August 8.

“September 8 of Every Year is hereby declared a special working holiday in the entire country to commemorate the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary,” the law read.

In 2017, the President signed Republic Act No. 10966 declaring December 8 a special non-working holiday to commemorate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Catholics believe that Mary, mother of Jesus, was conceived without original sin.

The declaration of the holiday aims to allow Filipinos to profess their strong devotion to Mary.