MikeLigalig.com

Malacanang on Wednesday declared January 2 , 2009 as a special non-working holiday, giving the Filipino people 11 consecutive days of holiday break.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita made the announcement during a press briefing in Malacanang.

Ermita said the decision to declare Jan. 2 as an additional holiday arrived following consultations by Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila with the business and labor sectors.

Under Proclamation No. 1695, January 2 was declared as an additional special non-working holiday throughout the country as it falls on Friday.

“A longer weekend encourages families to get together and strengthen their relationship towards a more productive environment as well as promotes domestic tourism and enable the employers to plan their work schedules effectively and efficiently, resulting an improved productivity,” the Proclamation stated. - PNA