Malacañang said on Tuesday, 14 March, that Filipinos can enjoy a longer Holy Week break this year after it moved the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) this year from 9 April to 10 April.

Malacañang made reference to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Proclamation No. 90 posted on the Official Gazette’s Facebook page. 

“The commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan (9 April) which is a regular holiday falls on a Sunday for the year 2023,” Proclamation No. 90 read.

“To enable our countrymen to avail of the benefits of a longer weekend, Monday, 10 April 2023, in lieu of Sunday, 9 April 2023, may be declared as a non-working holiday, provided that the historical significance of Araw ng Kagitingan is maintained,” it added.

Malacañang explained that the purpose of the extra long weekend is to allow Filipinos to observe Holy Week and spend more time with their families and loved ones.

In a separate statement, the Palace said: “Let (us) use this opportunity to make time for our loved ones while we responsibly practice health safety measures.”

“May this be a peaceful and meaningful time for all of us,” it added.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared 6 and 7 April as regular holidays through Proclamation No. 42 in August 2022.