Republic of the Philippines
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Malacañang Palace, Manila

PROCLAMATION No. 292          November 18, 2002

         WHEREAS, December 25, 2002 Christmas Day and December 31, 2002, the Last Day of the Year, are non-working holidays throughout the country;

         WHEREAS, December 24, 2002 falls on a Tuesday and December 25, 2002, Christmas Day, falls on a Wednesday;

         WHEREAS, December 24 has, in the past, been declared a special public holiday;

         WHEREAS, by tradition, the Filipinos celebrate the Christmas holidays by visiting their families, relatives and friends;

         WHEREAS, to give the Filipino people full opportunity to celebrate and enjoy the Christmas holidays with their families, relatives and friends, it is necessary to declare December 24, 2002 as a special (non-working) day throughout the country without prejudice to the public interest;

         WHEREAS, the Secretary of the Department of Tourism recommends the issuance of this Proclamation.

         NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare December 24, 2002 as a special (non-working) day throughout the country.