WHEREAS, January 2, 2009 falls on a Friday;

WHEREAS, a longer weekend encourages families to get together and strengthen their relationship towards a more productive environment, as well as promotes domestic tourism and enables employers to plan their work schedules effectively and efficiently, resulting in improved productivity;

NOW, THEREFORE, I EDUARDO R. ERMITA, Executive Secretary, by authority of Her Excellency, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, do hereby declare Friday, January 2, 2009 as additional special (non-working) day throughout the country.

The Department of Labor and Employment is hereby directed to issue appropriate circular to implement this Proclamation for the private sector.

Done in the City of Manila this 24th Day of December, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Eight.

By authority of the President:

(Sgd.) EDUARDO R. ERMITA
Executive Secretary

By the Executive Secretary:

(Sgd.) JOAQUIN C. LAGONERA
Senior Deputy Executive Secretary