President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has declared February 9 a special non-working day in the country, in observance of Chinese New Year.

Marcos inked Proclamation 453 on January 18, declaring the nationwide holiday to allow Filipinos to celebrate Chinese New Year and enjoy a longer weekend.

“The declaration of February 9, 2024, 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,” the proclamation read.

Under Proclamation 453, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is directed to issue the appropriate circular in implementing the proclamation for the private sector.

On October 11, 2023, Marcos issued Proclamation 368, declaring February 10, 2024, as a special non-working day throughout the country for the celebration of Chinese New Year.

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

It is one of the most revered and festive events celebrated not only in China but also in the Philippines. (PNA)