President Marcos Jr. Declares Special Non-Working Day in Ilocos Norte

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared September 11, 2026, a special non-working day in Ilocos Norte to mark the 109th birth anniversary of his late father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Executive Secretary Ralph Recto signed Proclamation 1421 to allow residents to fully participate in the upcoming regional commemorations.

Proclamation 1421 and the Ilocos Norte Commemorations

The national government has formalized regional holiday schedules for mid-September across several provinces. By authority of President Marcos, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto signed Proclamation 1421 on September 8, officially establishing a special non-working day in Ilocos Norte.

The official proclamation underscores the reasoning behind the local break, emphasizing community involvement. It is but fitting and proper that the people of the Province of Ilocos Norte be given full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration, the proclamation states, according to regional reporting of the text.

Batac City Ceremonies and Scheduled Activities

President Marcos is expected to travel to his father’s hometown of Batac City to lead the Friday observances. Local itineraries place the President at Batac Church for a scheduled morning Mass, followed by a formal wreath-laying ceremony at his late father’s monument. These municipal events form the core of the annual birth anniversary observations in the province.

Simultaneous Regional Holidays Across the Country

While Ilocos Norte marks the presidential anniversary, the executive branch has cleared special non-working days for multiple other municipalities observing founding milestones and cultural festivals. Banton, Romblon, and Bais City in Negros Oriental observed early-week holidays on September 9 and September 10, respectively, to celebrate the Hanrumanan Festival and the Hudyaka Festival: Festival of Harvest.

Sept. 11 a holiday in Ilocos Norte for Marcos Sr.'s birth anniversary — Photo: Inquirer

Hingyon, Ifugao, will observe its founding anniversary on September 15, shifted from a Saturday date. San Mateo, Rizal, marks its 454th founding anniversary on September 21, while Tacurong in Sultan Kudarat celebrates its cityhood anniversary alongside the Talakudong Festival on September 18. Finally, Mondragon, Northern Samar, observes its 143rd founding anniversary on September 22.