Palace has declared June 24 a special-non working day in Manila to commemorate its 449th founding anniversary.
Malacañang released a copy of Proclamation No. 696 Monday evening, which was signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on June 19.
Medialdea said in the Proclamation that it was only right that Manileños be given a day to celebrate the 449th Araw ng Maynila.
“It is but fitting and proper that the people of the City of Manila be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies,” the Proclamation read.
The Araw ng Maynila 2020 marks the capital’s first celebration under the leadership of Mayor Isko Moreno after defeating former President Joseph Estrada. Moreno first served as Estrada’s vice mayor.
“This is simply because I and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna have been polishing plans to mark the special occasion with a fitting recognition of all the frontliners who have been risking their own safety and that of their loved ones just to keep the rest of us safe, particularly from the coronavirus disease,” Moreno said in his column published in the Manila Bulletin on June 14.
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June 24 a special non-working day in Manila
Moreno ordered the Department of Tourism Culture and the Arts Manila (DTCAM), to scrap the regular or usual lineup of activities that lead to June 24.
“Instead, the city government will fete our frontliners, who are our modern-day heroes, and dedicate the special day for all of them,” he said.
“No amount of money or words can compensate for the kind of dedication and work that our frontliners are doing to help in the fight against COVID-19,” he added.
On June 24, 1571, Manila was proclaimed as the capital of Spain in the Philippines, and a government was established in the city.
In 1958, then Manila Mayor Arsenio Lacson declared June 24 as the city’s foundation day. In 1963, Manila Mayor Antonio Villegas changed the name of the celebration from “Foundation Day” to “Araw ng Maynila.”
Before the pandemic, the “Araw ng Maynila” is celebrated with a parade, film festival and concerts held all over the city.