“The President signed Proclamation No. 1625 last September 19 declaring October 1, 2008, as a regular holiday in the country.
Under the Proclamation, In order to bring the religious and cultural significance of Eid’l Fitr to the fore of national consciousness, it is necessary to declare Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008, as a regular holiday throughout the country.”
reference: http://pinoyambisyoso.com/philippine-holidays/october-1-declared-holiday-philippines/
With the new moon showing on Sep 30, our muslim brothers however officially ended their Ramadhan (spiritual purification), thus starting Eid ul’Fitr (3-day feast) a day before the government-declared regular holiday. Well, i am not complaining :) but at least if the government wishes the entire nation to become aware of our muslim brothers’ culture, they could have declared a 3-day holiday or declare the correct first day of the 3-day feast of Ramadhan.
Still, the declaration of public holiday may have come as a blessing. With children and most workers at the safety of their homes while tropical storm Pablo intensifies.
