Malacañang has declared Friday, Sept. 18, a special non-working day in 17 municipalities in Camarines Sur and Masbate to allow residents and visitors to participate in the Peñafrancia Festival.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, by authority of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., signed Proclamation No. 1444 on Sept. 16.
The declaration covers Bombon, Bula, Calabanga, Camaligan, Canaman, Gainza, Libmanan, Magarao, Milaor, Minalabac, Ocampo, Pamplona, Pasacao, Pili, San Fernando and Siruma in Camarines Sur, as well as San Pascual in Masbate.
The proclamation said the holiday will give constituents, government personnel, families and visitors sufficient time to join cultural and civic activities connected with the annual celebration.
It also aims to help authorities manage traffic and the expected influx of devotees and visitors heading to Naga City for major Peñafrancia activities, including the fluvial procession.
The Peñafrancia Festival is one of Bicol’s major religious and cultural events, drawing devotees from across the country in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia.