.png){kind=logo}
Public holidays in the Philippines are more than just days off work, they reflect the country’s history, faith, and national pride. Each holiday, whether regular or special, carries cultural and historical significance that shapes the Filipino identity. In this article, we’ll walk through the full list of public holidays for 2025 and explore the meaning behind some of the most uniquely Filipino observances.
Official Public Holidays in Philippines (2025)
Understanding how holidays are classified helps both employers and employees plan their schedules and compensation. In the Philippines, holidays fall into two main types: regular holidays and special non-working days, each with specific rules regarding employee compensation and work expectations. The information presented here is based on the official list released by the Philippine government through the Official Gazette.
1. Regular Holidays
These are nationwide days of observance established by law and included in the government’s annual list of holidays.
- Employees are generally entitled to their daily basic wage even if they do not work, as long as they are present or on authorized leave the workday before the holiday (unless more favorable company policies apply).
- Employees who report to work on a regular holiday are entitled to double their usual daily wage, as outlined in the labor code.
List of Regular Holidays for 2025:
- January 1 (Wednesday) – New Year’s Day
- April 9 (Wednesday) – Araw ng Kagitingan
- April 17 (Thursday) – Maundy Thursday
- April 18 (Friday) – Good Friday
- May 1 (Thursday) – Labor Day
- June 12 (Thursday) – Independence Day
- August 25 (Monday) – National Heroes Day
- November 30 (Sunday) – Bonifacio Day
- December 25 (Thursday) – Christmas Day
- December 30 (Tuesday) – Rizal Day
- Eidul Fitr
- Eidul Adha
In the Philippines, Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adha are also recognized as Regular Holidays, based on official proclamations by the President of the Philippines. These holidays are observed by the Filipino Muslim community and are celebrated nationwide, though the exact dates vary each year as they are determined by the Islamic lunar calendar.
2. Special (Non-Working) Days
These are declared through proclamations or specific laws.
- The “no work, no pay” rule typically applies, unless a company policy, employment contract, or collective bargaining agreement (CBA) states otherwise.
- Employees who do work on these days are usually entitled to premium pay, though the rate is lower than that of regular holidays.
List of Special (Non-Working) Days for 2025:
- January 29 (Wednesday) – Chinese New Year
- August 21 (Thursday) – Ninoy Aquino Day
- November 1 (Saturday) – All Saints’ Day
- December 8 (Monday) – Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary
- December 24 (Wednesday) – Christmas Eve
- December 31 (Wednesday) – Last Day of the Year
- October 31 (Friday) – All Saints’ Day Eve
- April 19 (Saturday) – Black Saturday
3. Special (Working) Day
Beside public holidays, the Philippines has a commemorative date where work proceeds as usual, with no additional pay required. It serves as a national reminder of important events but does not alter regular wage obligations.
- February 25 (Tuesday) – EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary
Unique Public Holidays in Philippines
Some public holidays in the Philippines are uniquely local, as they are rooted in historical movements and national figures. Here are five notable ones that offer deeper insights into the Filipino experience.
1. Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) – April 9
Araw ng Kagitingan pays tribute to the bravery of Filipino and American troops who resisted Japanese forces during World War II, especially in the battles of Bataan and Corregidor. It also marks the beginning of the Bataan Death March, during which thousands of soldiers were forced to walk from Bagac and Mariveles to Camp O'Donnell through San Fernando.
The holiday is usually observed on April 9, though it has been moved in some years to avoid overlapping with Easter. It was once called Bataan Day or Corregidor Day, and in places like Maywood, Illinois, it’s still known by these names.
2. Ninoy Aquino Day – August 21
Ninoy Aquino Day, observed every August 21, honors Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., a key figure in the fight for democracy in the Philippines. A critic of the Marcos regime, Aquino was imprisoned and exiled before returning in 1983, where he was tragically assassinated at the Manila International Airport. His death sparked the People Power Revolution of 1986, leading to the end of the Marcos dictatorship.
3. Bonifacio Day – November 30
Bonifacio Day commemorates the life of Andrés Bonifacio, a hero who led the fight for independence from Spanish rule. Bonifacio established the Katipunan, a revolutionary group that ignited the Philippine Revolution in 1896. His holiday is observed on November 30, which is both his birthday and the feast day of Saint Andrew the Apostle, from whom he got his name.
4. Rizal Day – December 30
Rizal Day honors José Rizal, one of the most important national heroes in the Philippines, remembered for his works and sacrifices in the fight for Philippine independence. The holiday is observed on December 30, the anniversary of his execution in 1896, which became a turning point in the revolution against Spanish rule.
Conclusion
As these public holidays highlight the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the Philippines, they also present an opportunity to reflect on the nation's past while enjoying time off work. Whether you are observing a regular holiday steeped in national pride or a special day that commemorates key figures and events, these holidays offer moments to connect with Filipino identity and heritage.
To make the most of these public holidays in the Philippines, consider planning ahead for extended breaks. One strategy is adjusting your annual leave to fall near a holiday that lands on a Thursday or Tuesday, allowing you to create a long weekend. By aligning your leave with these holidays, you can maximize your time off, giving yourself a well-deserved rest while still observing the significance of the country’s historical and cultural celebrations.
