Planning your year ahead requires knowing the official public holidays in the Philippines for 2026. Whether you’re scheduling business meetings, booking travel, or organizing family gatherings, understanding these nationwide holidays helps you make informed decisions. This comprehensive guide covers all confirmed national public holidays as declared by Malacañang through Proclamation 1006, ensuring you have accurate information for your planning needs.
Official Regular Holidays in Philippines 2026
The Philippines observes several regular holidays throughout 2026, each commemorating significant historical events or religious observances. Regular holidays provide paid time off for employees across the nation; consequently, most government offices, banks, and businesses remain closed on these dates. Below is the complete table of confirmed nationwide holidays you can reference when planning your schedule.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| April 2 | Thursday | Maundy Thursday |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| April 9 | Thursday | Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) |
| May 1 | Friday | Labor Day |
| June 12 | Friday | Independence Day |
| August 31 | Monday | National Heroes Day |
| November 30 | Monday | Bonifacio Day |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| December 30 | Wednesday | Rizal Day |
Special Non-Working Days in 2026
In addition to regular holidays, the Philippine government declares special non-working days throughout the year. These dates provide opportunities for Filipinos to observe important cultural and religious events; however, compensation for employees may vary depending on company policies. Meanwhile, many establishments choose to remain open during these special days, particularly in the retail and hospitality sectors.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| February 17 | Tuesday | Chinese New Year |
| April 4 | Saturday | Black Saturday |
| August 21 | Friday | Ninoy Aquino Day |
| November 1 | Sunday | All Saints’ Day |
| November 2 | Monday | All Souls’ Day |
| December 8 | Tuesday | Feast of the Immaculate Conception |
| December 24 | Thursday | Christmas Eve |
| December 31 | Thursday | Last Day of the Year |
Understanding Regular vs. Special Non-Working Holidays
The distinction between regular and special non-working holidays affects employee compensation and business operations. Regular holidays provide double pay for employees who work, while special non-working days typically offer additional 30% pay on top of regular wages. On the other hand, businesses have more flexibility to remain open during special non-working days, making these dates less predictable for planning purposes.
Government offices and banks generally close during both regular holidays and special non-working days; therefore, it’s advisable to complete essential transactions ahead of time. Schools and educational institutions follow similar patterns, which parents should consider when arranging childcare or family activities. For precise current local times when coordinating with international partners during these holidays, reliable time-checking tools can help avoid scheduling conflicts.
Long Weekends and Planning Tips for 2026
Several holidays in 2026 create excellent opportunities for extended breaks and travel. May 1 (Labor Day) falls on a Friday, creating a natural three-day weekend when combined with the weekend. Similarly, June 12 (Independence Day) also lands on Friday, offering another long weekend for getaways or family reunions. Moreover, December 25 (Christmas Day) falling on Friday means many Filipinos will enjoy an extended holiday period leading into the New Year.
The Holy Week period from April 2-5, 2026, represents one of the longest holiday stretches of the year. With Maundy Thursday and Good Friday as regular holidays, plus Black Saturday as a special non-working day, many Filipinos take the entire week off for travel or religious observances. Consequently, expect heavy traffic on major highways and fully booked accommodations during this period.
For effective time management during busy holiday preparations, using a timer tool can help you stay on track with cooking, packing, or completing work tasks before the holidays begin. Whether you need a quick 5-minute reminder or longer intervals, these tools ensure you maximize productivity before holiday closures.
Important Notes About Islamic Holidays
The dates for Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adha are not yet confirmed for 2026, as these Islamic holidays depend on lunar calendar observations. The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos will recommend the actual dates to the President once determined according to the Hijra calendar. Typically, proclamations declaring these holidays are issued closer to the expected dates; thus, checking for updates throughout the year is essential for accurate planning.
Special Working Day: EDSA People Power Anniversary
Proclamation 1006 designates February 25, 2026 (Wednesday) as a special working day rather than a non-working holiday. This date commemorates the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, a pivotal moment in Philippine history. While it remains a working day, various commemorative events and ceremonies are expected throughout Metro Manila and key cities nationwide.
How These Holidays Affect Your Schedule
Understanding public holidays helps with strategic planning across multiple areas of life. Businesses should adjust project timelines and deadlines around extended holiday periods to avoid disruptions. Meanwhile, travelers benefit from booking flights and accommodations well in advance, particularly for popular holidays like Christmas, Holy Week, and long weekends.
Parents need to coordinate school closures with their work schedules, especially during Holy Week and the year-end holidays. Furthermore, anyone requiring government services should complete transactions before holidays to avoid delays. Banking transactions, passport applications, and business registrations all require careful timing around these official holidays.
For comprehensive planning resources and additional scheduling tips, explore our complete guides section, where you’ll find detailed articles about time management, productivity strategies, and calendar planning throughout the year.
Verification and Official Sources
All holiday dates listed in this article come directly from Presidential Proclamation 1006, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on September 3, 2024, and officially released by Malacañang. This ensures you’re receiving accurate, government-verified information rather than unofficial predictions or estimates. On the other hand, regional or local holidays specific to certain provinces or cities are excluded from this list to maintain focus on nationwide observances only.
It’s worth noting that the Philippine government may occasionally issue additional proclamations throughout the year declaring special holidays for unforeseen events or significant national occasions. Therefore, staying informed through official government channels provides the most current information. However, the holidays listed here represent the confirmed schedule as of the official proclamation date.
Maximizing Your Holiday Planning
Start your 2026 planning by marking these holidays in your calendar immediately. Digital calendar applications allow you to set reminders weeks in advance, ensuring you’re never caught off guard by an upcoming holiday. Moreover, sharing this holiday schedule with your team, family, or colleagues facilitates better coordination for events and commitments.
Consider the cumulative impact of holidays on project deadlines and business operations. For instance, the clustering of holidays in December (Christmas Day, Rizal Day, and New Year’s Eve/Day) creates an extended year-end period with reduced business activity. Consequently, critical projects should be completed well before mid-December to avoid year-end complications.
Travelers should note that domestic and international flights typically see price increases during long weekends and major holidays like Holy Week and Christmas. Booking several months in advance secures better rates and ensures availability. Similarly, popular tourist destinations fill up quickly during these periods, making early reservations essential.
Conclusion
The Philippines observes a rich calendar of public holidays in 2026, reflecting the nation’s diverse cultural heritage and historical milestones. From New Year’s Day to Rizal Day, these nationwide holidays provide opportunities for rest, reflection, and celebration throughout the year. By planning ahead and utilizing this official holiday schedule, you can optimize your personal and professional commitments while making the most of extended breaks.
Remember to check back periodically for any additional proclamations regarding Islamic holidays or special commemorative dates that may be announced throughout 2026. For more information about public holidays in different years and countries, visit our main public holidays page. When scheduling important events, meetings, or travel plans, always verify dates against this official list to ensure accuracy and avoid conflicts with national observances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in the Philippines for 2026?
The Philippines recognizes 10 regular holidays nationwide in 2026: New Year’s Day (January 1), Maundy Thursday (April 2), Good Friday (April 3), Araw ng Kagitingan (April 9), Labor Day (May 1), Independence Day (June 12), National Heroes Day (August 31), Bonifacio Day (November 30), Christmas Day (December 25), and Rizal Day (December 30). Additionally, there are 8 special non-working days including Chinese New Year, Black Saturday, Ninoy Aquino Day, All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day, Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
Several holidays in 2026 create natural long weekends. Labor Day (May 1) and Independence Day (June 12) both fall on Fridays, creating three-day weekends. National Heroes Day (August 31) and Bonifacio Day (November 30) fall on Mondays, also providing extended weekends. Christmas Day (December 25) falling on Friday extends into the weekend before New Year’s Eve on December 31 (Thursday), creating an extended year-end holiday period. The Holy Week period (April 2-5) offers one of the longest breaks when combining regular holidays with the weekend.
Are any holidays subject to change in 2026?
Most holidays listed are fixed and confirmed through Presidential Proclamation 1006. However, the dates for Islamic holidays (Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adha) are not yet determined as they depend on the Islamic lunar calendar (Hijra). The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos will recommend these dates to the President once they are determined, typically closer to the actual observance dates. Additionally, the government may issue supplementary proclamations throughout the year for special commemorative occasions or unforeseen events.
What’s the difference between regular holidays and special non-working days?
Regular holidays are nationwide non-working days where employees who work receive 200% of their regular daily wage (double pay). Government offices, banks, and most businesses close during these holidays. Special non-working days provide employees who work with an additional 30% compensation on top of their regular daily rate. Businesses have more flexibility to remain open during special non-working days, and compensation policies may vary. Both types affect government services, but special non-working days see more varied business operations.
How should I plan for Holy Week 2026?
Holy Week 2026 runs from April 2-5, with Maundy Thursday (April 2) and Good Friday (April 3) as regular holidays, Black Saturday (April 4) as a special non-working day, and Easter Sunday (April 5). This is one of the busiest travel periods in the Philippines, so book accommodations and transportation several months in advance. Expect heavy traffic on major highways, especially NLEX and SLEX, as millions of Filipinos travel for family reunions or vacations. Banks and government offices will be closed throughout this period, so complete essential transactions beforehand.
Will Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adha be observed as holidays in 2026?
Yes, both Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adha will be observed as regular holidays in 2026; however, the exact dates have not been officially determined yet. These Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar (Hijra), making their dates dependent on moon sightings and astronomical calculations. The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos will recommend the specific dates to the President once they are determined, after which an official proclamation will be issued. Typically, these announcements are made weeks or months before the actual observance dates.