Malacañang has declared Feb. 9, 2024, a special non-working holiday across the country in celebration of the Chinese New Year, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed Proclamation No. 453, by the authority of President Marcos, on Jan. 18.

Based on the Palace issuance, the holiday was declared to allow the people to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

“The declaration of 09 February 2024, Friday, as an additional special non-working day throughout the country will give the people the full opportunity to celebrate the Chinese New Year and enable our countrymen to avail of the benefits of a longer weekend,” it read.

Proclamation No. 453 directs the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to issue the appropriate circular in implementing the proclamation for the private sector.

Initially, Proclamation No. 368, dated Oct. 11, 2023, declared Feb. 10, 2024, a special non-working day throughout the country for the Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year marks the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar.