MALACAÑANG declared March 1 as a special non-working holiday to mark the celebration of the 87th Araw ng Dabaw.
Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, by the authority of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., signed Proclamation No. 467 on February 16 bearing the official declaration.
“It is, but fitting and proper that the people of the City of Davao be given full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration,” the proclamation reads.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11379 in 2019, or “An Act Declaring March 1 of Every Year a Special Working Holiday in the City of Davao, Province of Davao del Sur, to be known as “Araw ng Dabaw,” Repealing for the Purpose Republic Acts Numbered 7551 and 7685.”
R.A. 11379 officially restored the Araw ng Dabaw from March 16 to March 1, tracing back to the history of the city, as recommended by the National Historical Commission.
However, the law states that March 1 shall be a “special working holiday”, hence every year after 2019, the President is requested to declare it as “special non-working holiday.”
City Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, the committee on tourism and beautification chair, proposed a resolution to the Sangguniang Panlungsod, on Jan. 30, to request Malacañang to officially declare March 1 as a “special non-working holiday.”
A total fund of P34 million is allocated for the festivities of the city’s founding anniversary, the City Tourism Operations Office revealed.
