The Ultimate Guide: How Many Public Holidays Are There in the Philippines Each Year?

Hey there, holiday lovers! It’s your go-to Holiday Little Assistant here. Today we’re tackling a question I get asked all the time: How many holidays are there in the Philippines each year? Whether you’re planning a vacation, scheduling work leaves, or just curious about Filipino festivities, stick around—I’ve got all the juicy details for you!

So, here’s the deal: The Philippines officially has around 18-20 public holidays annually, but the exact number can vary slightly depending on presidential proclamations. These holidays are split into two main categories: regular holidays (fixed dates with premium pay) and special non-working days (flexible dates, usually with lower pay rates). Let’s break it down!

Regular Holidays vs. Special Holidays: What’s the Difference?

Regular holidays are the big ones—think New Year’s Day, Christmas, and Independence Day. These dates NEVER change (unless a holiday falls on a weekend), and employees get double pay if they work. There are usually 10-12 regular holidays each year.

Then there are special non-working days, like EDSA Revolution Anniversary or Ninoy Aquino Day. These dates can shift, and pay rules differ (often +30% salary). The government adds or adjusts these yearly, so the total count fluctuates.

Pro tip: Always check the official Malacañang Palace proclamation for updates—sometimes they declare surprise holidays (like long weekends for economic boosts)!

Wait… Why Does the Number Change?

Great question! The Philippine government tweaks holidays based on cultural, religious, or even economic needs. For example:
– Easter and Eid’l Fitr move with lunar calendars.
– Local fiestas (like Cebu’s Sinulog) might get declared as special holidays.
– Sometimes they add “extra” holidays to promote tourism (hello, long weekends!).

Fun fact: In 2024, there are 12 regular holidays + 5 special days, but next year could be different!

Can You List All Philippine Holidays?

While I can’t predict future proclamations, here’s the typical lineup:
🔹 Regular Holidays: New Year, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Araw ng Kagitingan, Labor Day, Independence Day… (you get the gist).
🔹 Special Days: Chinese New Year, Black Saturday, All Saints’ Day, Bonifacio Day, and more.

For the full updated list, hit up our website—we keep it fresher than a lechon straight off the grill!

To wrap it up: The Philippines packs in 18-20ish holidays yearly, blending fixed dates and flexible observances. Whether you’re chasing festivals or just want a day off, knowing these dates helps you plan like a pro.

Faqpro Thanks for hanging out with me, pals! Now you’re a certified expert on Philippine holidays. Got more questions? Drop me a line—I’m always here to help you navigate those precious days off! 🎉