Malacañang has declared special non-working days in Iriga City, Makilala town, and the Cordillera Administrative Region to allow residents to participate in local celebrations and historical commemorations.

The proclamations were signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on August 11 as part of the government’s recognition of regional events and milestones.

Under Proclamation No. 996, Sept. 3 will be a special non-working day in Iriga City, Camarines Sur, in celebration of its 57th Charter Anniversary.

Meanwhile, Proclamation No. 997 designates Sept. 8 as a special non-working day in Makilala, North Cotabato, in observance of the municipality’s 71st founding anniversary.

The Palace also issued Proclamation No. 998, declaring Sept. 13 a special non-working day across the Cordillera Administrative Region to commemorate the Sipat — the historic 1986 peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA).

The Sipat, which took place on Sept. 13, 1986, marked the cessation of hostilities and acknowledged the people’s long-standing call for Cordillera autonomy, following a symbolic meeting between then-President Corazon C. Aquino and representatives of the Cordillera Bodong Administration and the CPLA.

These declarations aim to provide communities time to meaningfully participate in activities honoring their local heritage and history.