June 20 Declared Special Holiday

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang has declared June 20 a special non-working holiday to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of national hero Jose P. Rizal.

Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said President Beningno Aquino III signed Proclamation No. 154 on April 26, moving the commemoration to June 20 instead of June 19, which falls on a Sunday.

He said the President did this on the recommendation of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines to allow more people to participate in various activities related to the event.
“The President deems it as an opportune time for our kababayans [countrymen] to commemorate our national hero’s achievements and sacrifices for our beloved country, rekindle their admiration and respect for him, as well as participate in the various ceremonies that were prepared to celebrate this occasion,” Ochoa said in a statement.
In a letter to the Chief Executive, NHCP Executive Director III Ludovico Badoy said various activities to celebrate Rizal’s 150th birth anniversary had been prepared by the government and the private sector, including the commemorative rites at the Rizal Shrine in Calamba City in Laguna, the Philippine national hero’s birth place.

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