By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — Malacañang declared February 9 (Friday) as a special non-working day throughout the country for the celebration of the Chinese New Year.

“The declaration of 09 February 2024, Friday, as an additional special non-working day throughout the country will give the people the full opportunity to celebrate the Chinese New Year and enable our countrymen to avail of the benefits of a longer weekend,” read the Proclamation No. 453 signed by the President and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

The Palace issuance directs the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to issue appropriate circulars in implementing the proclamation for the private sector.

Chinese New Year is the festival celebrating the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar.

The year 2024 is the year of the Water Dragon according to the Chinese calendar.  

(el Amigo/MNM)