The Philippines will observe two significant holidays this August that commemorate pivotal moments in the nation's history.
First is Ninoy Aquino Day on 21 August, which falls on a Thursday this year. The holiday commemorates the assassination of former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. at the then Manila International Airport — now named in his honor — on 21 August 1983. His tragic and untimely death sparked widespread outrage and mourning, with over a million Filipinos joining his funeral procession.
Ninoy Aquino Day was declared a special non-working holiday through Republic Act No. 9256, signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2004. This year, 2025, marks the 42nd anniversary of his death.
Another national holiday is National Heroes Day, which will be observed on 25 August, a Monday this year. This regular holiday honors all Filipino heroes who fought for the country’s freedom and sovereignty. The holiday was first declared in 1931 and later reaffirmed in the 1987 Administrative Code, with its latest adjustment made under Arroyo’s administration in 2007, which set its observance on the last Monday of August.