Malacañang has declared Friday, June 24, a special non-working day in Manila in celebration of the capital city's 451st Founding Anniversary.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea signed Proclamation No. 1400, which declared the special holiday on June 22, two days before the commemoration.
Medialdea wrote in the proclamation that it was only suitable that Manileños are allowed to commemorate the 451st Araw ng Maynila while adhering to minimum health standards due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
"It is but fitting and proper that the people of the City of Manila be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies, subject to the public health measures of the national government," the Proclamation read.
JUST IN: Palace issues proclamation declaring Friday, June 24, 2022, a special non-working day in Manila in celebration of its 451st Founding Anniversary. @manilabulletin pic.twitter.com/C6csbMtqry
— Argyll Cyrus Geducos (@argyllcyrus_MB) June 22, 2022
The City of Manila's local government unit (LGU) will have a float parade competition on June 24 in celebration of the City's founding anniversary. The parade is part of the Nilad Festival 2022. Different departments of the Manila LGU will participate in the said competition.
According to the Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila (DTCAM), Nilad is a cultural icon representing the journey and history of Manila.
"A budding plant that is trying to trace and find its origin so it can once again bloom and be visible not only to the country but also to the rest of the world," it wrote on its website.
"The Nilad is not just a plant that we are trying to revive, but also all the stories of Manila that is worth sharing and experiencing," it added.
"Let's make Manila claim its place as the center of Festivities, Arts, and Culture in the Country," it furthered.
This will be Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso's last Araw ng Maynila celebration as the Mayor of the City after placing fourth in the 2022 presidential race.
Manila residents elected Honey Lacuna, the daughter of former Manila Vice Mayor Danny Lacuna, as their new leader. She is the first female Mayor of the City.