President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. did not issue a proclamation declaring January 2, Tuesday, or the day after the New Year as a special day off.
This was clarified by the Presidential Communications Office in the midst of waiting for the possible declaration of January 2 as an additional special non-working holiday.
“Wala po,” said Presidential Communications Cheloy Garafil in response to many questions from Malacañang reporters.
Marcos earlier declared December 26 — the day after Christmas — a special day off nationwide.
The declaration aims to encourage domestic tourism and to give families more time together.
It can be recalled that the Marcos administration adopted the “holiday economics” in 2022 through Proclamation No 90, which adjusted national holidays because longer weekends would help encourage domestic travel and increase spending on tourism.
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DA preparing for El Niño
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and other agencies are preparing for the El Niño phenomenon or severe drought in the country that may affect food production.
According to the DA, they are already taking initiatives to help farmers and even fishermen affected by the dry spell.
DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said among their activities is the repair and rehabilitation of irrigation canals or irrigation for crops.
“We are leaving no stones unturned in our effort to ease the impact of El Niño on our farmers and fishermen as well as consumers by ensuring food production is sufficient, and supply is secure during the expected dry spell,” said Tiu.
According to Tiu, El Niño can affect the provinces and millions of people who depend on agriculture and fishing, especially farmers and fishermen.
The Bureau of Soil and Water Management has already requested P112 million for cloud seeding operations in 2024 to meet the required irrigation of crops.
The DA will also distribute 56,169 livestock for 297 farmer groups and 47 other farmers.
Alternative livelihoods for fishermen in Bicol, Central Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula Region will also be distributed.
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