The Philippines is a nation of commemorations—of hard‑won freedoms, faith, heroism, and family. Each year, Malacañang issues an official list of national holidays that shape school calendars, business operations, and our much‑loved long weekends. For 2026, those dates are now out, along with how they’re classified for work and pay.

Below, you’ll find a simple explainer on how Philippine holidays work, the official 2026 list (with what each day means), quick pay‑rule pointers, and smart tips for planning your leaves and trips.

How Philippine Holidays Work (in a Nutshell)

There are three main categories:

  1. Regular Holidays – These are nationwide non‑working days set by law or proclamation (e.g., New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Independence Day). Businesses typically close or scale down operations.
  2. Special (Non‑Working) Days – Also nationwide, but the “no work, no pay” principle generally applies unless company policy says otherwise. Examples include Ninoy Aquino Day and All Saints’ Day.
  3. Special Working Days – Commemorative dates that remain regular working days (no premium pay). In 2026, the EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary (Feb 25) is a special working day.

Legal backdrop: The framework comes from the Administrative Code (as amended by RA 9492), with additional laws recognizing Islamic feasts (RA 9177 for Eid’l Fitr and RA 9849 for Eid’l Adha).

Official 2026 Philippine Holidays (at a glance)

Declared through Proclamation No. 1006 and released by Malacañang; the Eid dates will follow in separate proclamations based on the Islamic (Hijra) calendar or astronomical calculations.

Regular Holidays (2026)

  • New Year’s Day — Thursday, January 1
  • Maundy Thursday — April 2
  • Good Friday — April 3
  • Araw ng Kagitingan — Thursday, April 9
  • Labor Day — Friday, May 1
  • Independence Day — Friday, June 12
  • National Heroes Day — Monday, August 31
  • Bonifacio Day — Monday, November 30
  • Christmas Day — Friday, December 25
  • Rizal Day — Wednesday, December 30

Note on Eid holidays: Eid’l Fitr and Eid’l Adha are regular holidays under law, but the exact 2026 dates will be set by separate proclamations upon the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos’ recommendation.

Special (Non‑Working) Days (2026)

  • Ninoy Aquino Day — Friday, August 21
  • All Saints’ Day — Sunday, November 1
  • Feast of the Immaculate Conception — Tuesday, December 8
  • Last Day of the Year — Thursday, December 31

Additional Special (Non‑Working) Days (2026)

  • Chinese New Year — Tuesday, February 17
  • Black Saturday — April 4
  • All Souls’ Day — Monday, November 2
  • Christmas Eve — Thursday, December 24

Special Working Day (2026)

  • EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary — Wednesday, February 25

Heads‑up: There’s active discussion in Congress on upgrading Feb 25 to a regular holiday; keep an eye on legislative updates.

What Each Holiday Commemorates (and how Filipinos mark it)

  • New Year’s Day (Jan 1): Family reunions stretch from New Year’s Eve to New Year’s Day, often with media noche tables, fireworks, and resolutions for a fresh start.
  • Holy Week (Apr 2–4, 2026): From Maundy Thursday to Black Saturday, many Filipinos go home to their provinces for Visita Iglesia, processions, and reflection; beaches also get busy after Good Friday punctuates the most solemn day.
  • Araw ng Kagitingan (Apr 9): Honors the heroism of Filipino and American soldiers in Bataan and Corregidor during World War II.
  • Labor Day (May 1): Labor groups hold rallies and events spotlighting workers’ rights; families often enjoy day trips or short breaks.
  • Independence Day (Jun 12): Flag‑raising rites and historical programs commemorate the 1898 declaration of independence in Cavite.
  • National Heroes Day (Aug 31): A salute to unnamed heroes who fought for the nation’s freedom.
  • Ninoy Aquino Day (Aug 21): Remembers the 1983 assassination of Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.
  • All Saints’/All Souls’ (Nov 1–2): Annual cemetery visits (Undas), cleaning graves, lighting candles, and celebrating the lives of departed loved ones.
  • Bonifacio Day (Nov 30): Celebrates the birth of revolutionary leader Andres Bonifacio.
  • Christmas season (Dec 24–25): Starts as early as September in malls and music; peaks with Simbang Gabi, noche buena, gift‑giving, and reunions.
  • Rizal Day (Dec 30): Commemorates national hero José Rizal’s martyrdom in 1896.
  • Eid’l Fitr / Eid’l Adha: Eid’l Fitr marks the end of Ramadan; Eid’l Adha coincides with the Hajj season—both are observed nationwide with communal prayers and family gatherings (exact dates vary by lunar sighting/proclamation).

Quick Pay‑Rules Cheat Sheet (Private Sector)

Always check your company policy/ CBA and the latest DOLE advisory—but here’s the standard guidance used by HR and payroll teams.

  • Regular Holiday (e.g., June 12):
    • No work: 100% of the daily wage (eligibility depends on presence/paid leave on the preceding workday).
    • Worked (first 8 hours): 200% of the daily wage; OT: additional 30% of hourly rate on top of the 200%.
    • If it also falls on your rest day and you worked: 260% for the first 8 hours.
  • Special (Non‑Working) Day (e.g., Nov 1):
    • No work: “No work, no pay” unless company policy/ practice says otherwise.
    • Worked (first 8 hours): 130% of the daily wage; OT: additional 30% of hourly rate (on top of 130%).
    • If it also falls on your rest day and you worked: 150% for the first 8 hours.
  • Special Working Day (Feb 25, 2026): Treated as an ordinary working day—no premium unless company policy grants one.

Why the List Changes Each Year (and why Eid dates move)

Malacañang publishes a yearly proclamation that sets the specific dates and classifications for the coming year, sometimes adding “additional special non‑working days” to strengthen family time or boost domestic tourism (e.g., Nov 2 and Dec 24 in 2026).

Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar, so Eid’l Fitr and Eid’l Adha shift each year; the President then issues separate proclamations once the dates are confirmed.

2026 Long‑Weekend Planner (Ideas)

  • Apr 9 (Thu)–Apr 12 (Sun): Araw ng Kagitingan + weekend—extend with leave on Fri, Apr 10 if your company observes.
  • May 1 (Fri): Straight long weekend for Labor Day.
  • Jun 12 (Fri): Independence Day weekend—great for local beach trips before the rainy season peaks.
  • Aug 29 (Sat)–Aug 31 (Mon): National Heroes Day long weekend.
  • Nov 1–2 (Sun–Mon): Undas, with Nov 2 as an additional special non‑working day.
  • Dec 24–25 (Thu–Fri): Christmas Eve + Christmas Day.
  • Dec 30–Jan 1 (Tue–Thu): Rizal Day to New Year’s Eve; many extend to New Year’s Day.

Tip: EDSA Day (Feb 25) is a special working day in 2026; plan leave if you want a mid‑week breather around Feb 17 (Chinese New Year) or Holy Week instead.

Practical Tips for Filipinos and Visitors

  • Book early: Seats sell out around Holy Week and Undas; ferries and buses get packed.
  • Check local proclamations: Cities and provinces often get local special non‑working days for fiestas and anniversaries (e.g., March 2026 had several such local holidays).
  • Expect modified hours: Government offices and banks may shorten hours before/after major holidays; malls often remain open with holiday schedules.
  • Be respectful at religious events: Dress modestly for church visits and Eid prayers; observe procession etiquette during Holy Week.

Sources & Legal References

Wrap‑Up

Whether you’re planning payroll, plotting a barkada trip, or just looking forward to a quiet family meal, understanding how national holidays work helps you make the most of every break. Bookmark this guide, and watch for the separate proclamations that will fix the 2026 Eid dates. [pco.gov.ph], [lawphil.net]

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