Malacañang has declared June 24, Wednesday, as a special non-working day in the City of Manila in celebration of its 455th founding anniversary.
Acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto signed Proclamation No. 1320 on June 16 on behalf of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., setting the holiday to allow residents to fully participate in the commemoration.
“It is but fitting and proper that the people of the City of Manila be given full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration,” the proclamation read.
Manila was first declared the capital of the Philippines in 1595 under King Philip II of Spain. The designation was later transferred to Quezon City in 1948 under then President Elpidio Quirino.
On June 24, 1976, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos restored Manila’s status as the country’s capital and permanent seat of government.