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Liz Servañez
Liz Servañez serves as Branch Manager in the Philippines.
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Christine Aguilar
Christine Aguilar serves as Head of Operations in the Philippines.
In the Philippines, holidays are governed by specific labor laws that dictate varying pay rates depending on whether a day is classified as a “Regular Holiday” or a “Special Non-Working Day.” For 2026, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Proclamation No. 1006, outlining the official dates to help the nation prepare for the year.
Understanding the Two Main Holiday Types
Before diving into the list, it is essential to distinguish between the two primary classifications under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) guidelines:
- Regular Holidays: These are generally fixed dates (with the exception of movable religious holidays like Eid’l Fitr). On these days, employees are typically entitled to 100% of their daily wage even if they do not work. If they do work, they receive 200% of their daily rate.
- Special Non-Working Days: These follow the “no work, no pay” principle unless a favorable company policy exists. However, if an employee works on these days, they are entitled to an additional 30% of their daily rate.
Official Holidays in the Philippines in 2026
| Date | Holiday Name | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 (Thursday) | New Year’s Day | Regular Holiday |
| February 17 (Tuesday) | Chinese New Year | Special Non-Working Day |
| February 25 (Wednesday) | EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary | Special Working Day |
| April 2 (Thursday) | Maundy Thursday | Regular Holiday |
| April 3 (Friday) | Good Friday | Regular Holiday |
| April 4 (Saturday) | Black Saturday | Special Non-Working Day |
| April 9 (Thursday) | Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) | Regular Holiday |
| May 1 (Friday) | Labor Day | Regular Holiday |
| June 12 (Friday) | Independence Day | Regular Holiday |
| August 21 (Friday) | Ninoy Aquino Day | Special Non-Working Day |
| August 31 (Monday) | National Heroes Day | Regular Holiday |
| November 1 (Sunday) | All Saints’ Day | Special Non-Working Day |
| November 2 (Monday) | All Souls’ Day | Special Non-Working Day |
| November 30 (Monday) | Bonifacio Day | Regular Holiday |
| December 8 (Tuesday) | Feast of the Immaculate Conception | Special Non-Working Day |
| December 24 (Thursday) | Christmas Eve | Special Non-Working Day |
| December 25 (Friday) | Christmas Day | Regular Holiday |
| December 30 (Wednesday) | Rizal Day | Regular Holiday |
| December 31 (Thursday) | Last Day of the Year | Special Non-Working Day |
Note: The dates for the Islamic holidays of Eid’l Fitr and Eid’l Adha will be issued as separate proclamations once the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) confirms the dates based on the lunar calendar.
How to Plan for Long Weekends in 2026
The 2026 calendar offers several opportunities for long weekends, particularly in April (Holy Week) and December (the Christmas-Rizal Day-New Year window). For employers, this means anticipating “silent zones” in productivity and ensuring that payroll systems are configured to handle holiday premiums accurately.
Miscalculating holiday pay is a common source of labor disputes and compliance issues in the Philippines. Ensuring that every employee is paid correctly for a “Regular Holiday” versus a “Special Non-Working Day” requires a deep understanding of local labor codes and meticulous record-keeping.
Payroll and HR Made Easy
Part of managing a team in the Philippines is taking holidays into consideration when calculating payroll, statutory bonuses, and tax contributions. Our partners from RecruitGo specialise in helping international and local businesses through expert Payroll Management and Employer of Record (EOR) services.
By partnering with RecruitGo, you can ensure that:
- Holiday pay and premiums are calculated accurately and on time.
- Your business remains fully compliant with the latest DOLE and BIR regulations.
- Employee benefits and statutory contributions (SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG) are managed seamlessly.
RecruitGo can help you hire talent in the Philippines without setting up a local entity and streamline your existing payroll systems.
Learn more about how they can help you plan for upcoming holidays in the Philippines. Fill out the form for a free consultation.
