Cebu exporters laud Palace holiday decision

Posted November 03, 2009 14:43:00

Jhunnex Napallacan

Cebu Daily News

EXPORTERS in Cebu voiced relief over a Malacañang’s declaration amending the coverage of holidays for Nov. 27 and 28 to limit its coverage only to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Allan Suarez, chairman of Phil-Export Cebu, said they were happy that Malacañang realized that the two-day holidays should not be implemented all over the country.

President Arroyo declared Nov. 27 and 28 as special non-working holidays all over the country for the two-day celebration of Eid 'l Adha based on proclamation no. 1808 issued last April 21, 2009.

Eid'l Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice or Day of Sacrifice, is observed after the hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

Nov. 30, Monday, is also a regular working holiday being Bonifacio Day.

Nov. 1 and 2 were also declared special non-working holidays being All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

Based on the amended proclamation, the two-day holidays on Nov. 27 and 28 will only apply in the ARMM.

“We are very happy that it was downgraded. These shouldn't be declared holidays all over the country,” Suarez said.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde apologized for the inconvenience, saying that members of the business community aired their appeal to the President through Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila, reasoning that it would affect productivity.

Suarez said his group had joined in the appeal to Arroyo to review the declaration.

Suarez said they relayed their sentiments to their national organization and the President listened to their sentiments.

The two holidays, he added, will disrupt their operations and force them to spend more for the salaries of their workers.

“There were too many holidays already, he said.

The Palace had initially announced that the special non-working holiday marking the end of the Muslims' annual pilgrimage to Mecca would be nationwide.

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