President Benigno Aquino III has declared Black Saturday, April 7, 2012, as a special non-working day throughout the country.
In Proclamation No. 360 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. on March 29, the President issued the declaration in observance of the Holy Week, which he described as one of the Filipino people’s most cherished traditions.
The President said Black Saturday, which falls between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, has been traditionally declared as special non-working day throughout the country.
“Our people must be given the full and uninterrupted opportunity to ponder on the significance of the Holy Week and to properly observe its traditions with religious fervor, without prejudice to public interest,” the President said.
The President’s declaration cements the public’s long holiday this Holy Week. Aside from the long weekend (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday), August 9 (Monday) is Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), which is a national holiday.
