Malacañang has declared December 26, 2016 and January 2, 2017 as special non-working holidays, per Presidential Proclamation No. 117.

The declaration of such dates, both falling on a Monday, as special non-working days will give Filipinos “full opportunity to celebrate the holidays with their families and loves ones,” it stated.

A “longer weekend promotes domestic tourism and enables employers to plan their work schedules effectively and efficiently, resulting in improved productivity,” the Proclamation added.