Dabawenyos continue to await Malacanangโs declaration of March 17 as a special non-working holiday, as no response has been received despite early submission and follow up of the request to date.
According to the Sangguniang Panlungsod, they made a follow-up via phone call to the Office of the President via the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs Dir. Rowena T. Sanchez on February 27 but were told that the request was โon process.โ SP has also sent a follow up letter to said office on February 28. However, no official document from the office has been received.
The request for the holidayโtypically observed day after Araw ng Dabawโs Parada Dabawenyoโis usually already approved weeks in advance. In past instances, Malacaรฑang had issued responses early, allowing ample time for local preparations.
Records from the City Archives and Records Office (CARO) show that the holiday proclamation was released on March 4 in 2020, February 24 in 2021, February 28 in 2022, February 13 in 2023, and February 16 in 2024.
The public is advised continue monitoring official government channels for announcements for accurate information on the declaration. CIO
