Jan 23 declared First Republic Day
MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has signed into law a measure declaring Jan. 23 as a special working holiday to commemorate the declaration of the first Philippine republic.
Duterte signed the law on April 5.
An employee who will work during a special working holiday is entitled only to his basic rate. No premium pay is required since work performed on that day is considered work on ordinary working days, according to the labor department.
The law tasked the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the education department to plan and implement activities for “The First Philippine Republic Day” and ensure that its importance is relayed to the public.
The First Philippine Republic was inaugurated on Jan. 23, 1899 at Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan. The republic did not last long because of the arrival of American colonizers.
NHCP said the First Philippine Republic “catapulted the Filipino nation onto the world’s consciousness, carving not only a place among the family of nations but also a distinct niche as the first republic in Asia.”
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