Bonifacio Day as is, Wednesday holiday

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Nov. 25, 2011 (PIA) – The country pauses for a holiday Wednesday as Filipinos celebrate Bonifacio Day.

Traditionally celebrated every November 30 as a regular holiday, the observance is to commemorate the birthday of one of the country’s very important historical figures.

Born November 30, 1863, Andres Bonifacio was considered the father of the Philippine Revolution having organized Katipunan, a secret society that will cause serious headaches among the ranks of the Spanish authorities ruling Manila.

But, through Republic Act 9492, or the act rationalizing the celebration of Philippine holidays, the celebration of Bonifacio Day every November 30 could be reset to the nearest Monday, in a move better understood as holiday economics.

While the move has afforded many Filipinos the opportunity to travel and as tourist areas report influx of local tourists caused by long week-ends, not everyone was happy with the results.

Even for the right purpose, moving the holidays to a different date loses the essence of the celebration, a con on the holiday economics state.

To probably correct the move, President Simeon Benigno issued Proclamation 84 late last year.

Signed December 2010, Proclamation 84 has declared the regular holidays, special non-working days and special holidays for 2011.

The same proclamation has pegged Wednesday, November 30 as the day when Bonifacio Day is celebrated nationwide.

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By: Rey Anthony Chiu, TBS