As Davao City’s month-long celebration of its founding anniversary draws near, Dabawenyos have been eagerly awaiting an official announcement on whether there will be a Special Non-Working holiday declaration. The City Government of Davao has already submitted a request for declaration, but Malacanang has yet to confirm or release an official proclamation.
On January 28, 2025, the 20th Davao City Council submitted a resolution requesting the Office of the President to declare March 17, 2025 as Special Non-working holiday in Davao City in celebration of the Pasasalamat sa 88th Araw ng Davao. The City Council also included the request for August 15, 2025 for the Indigenous People’s Day in relation to the Kadayawan sa Davao Celebration.
According to the Sangguniang Panlungsod, the resolution was transmitted to the Office of the President via courier on February 5 and was delivered on February 6.
“The City has ensured to make the request in advance since the Office of the President has mandated all LGUs to make requests for issuance of Presidential Proclamations declaring special non-working holidays 30 days before the special day in their Memorandum Order No. 20,” said Jennifer Romero, City Tourism Operations Office Officer-in-Charge.
Various public and private establishments owners have been asking for answers, as many of them are preparing for their operations based on the potential declaration.
The public is advised to monitor official government channels for announcements to avoid misinformation.
As of writing, the city government is still waiting for the response from the Office of the President.
