Palace declares half-day government work on September 22

MANILA, Philippines — Work hours in the government’s Executive branch will be shortened on Monday in observance of National Family Week.

Memorandum Circular No. 96 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin stated that work in government offices under the Executive branch would be suspended starting 1 p.m. on Sept. 22.

The memorandum was pursuant to Proclamation No. 60 signed in 1992 which declared the last week of September of every year as Family Week and Proclamation No. 326 issued in 2012 which declared the fourth Monday of September as Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day.

The work suspension on Monday will not cover agencies whose functions involve the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness or response to disasters and calamities or the performance of other vital services.

“This office also encourages all government workers in the Executive branch to fully support the programs and activities relative to the observance of Family Week, as organized by the National Committee on the Filipino Family,” the memorandum dated Sept. 19 read.

Malacañang encouraged the suspension of work in other branches of government, independent commissions or bodies and private sector “to afford all Filipino families the full opportunity to celebrate the 33rd National Family Week.”

Both the Family Week and Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day emphasize the value of a strong bond between parents and their children.

The celebration of Family Week seeks to “fortify solidarity in the family” and “ensure nationwide awareness of the importance of the family.”

The Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day, meanwhile, stresses the importance of a common family meal, a national tradition that allows its members to “signify their unity and thanksgiving for God’s abundant blessings” and “encourages parents to stay connected with their children and understand the challenges they face.”