Manila (1 June) -- Malacanang has announced that June 11, a Monday, will be a non-working holiday to celebrate Independence Day while June 12, Tuesday, will be a working day. All activities and celebrations in observance of Independence Day, however, will be observed on June 12, the proclamation read.

Earlier, under Proclamation No. 1211, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has declared April 7, June 11, Nov. 2, and Dec. 24 as special non-working holidays to celebrate various occasions in the country.

Nov. 2, a Friday, was declared a special non-working day to give the people more time to observe All Saints' Day.

Under Proclamation No. 1211, the President said April 7, a Saturday, falls between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, thus could be declared a special non-working day to "give our people the full and uninterrupted opportunity to ponder on the significance of the Holy Week."

She said this will also allow the people to properly observe its traditions with religious fervor, without prejudice to public interest.

The proclamation also states that Dec. 24, a Monday, will be a special non-working day to enable Filipinos to have a more meaningful observance of Christmas and give them greater opportunities to strengthen their ties with one another.

President Macapagal-Arroyo signed the proclamation last Jan. 10, 2007. The Palace said it will try to announce holidays early so that both public and private operations will not be disturbed.

The President has long been implementing holiday economics to boost domestic tourism and allow Filipino to have more time with their families.