Malacanang has declared Wednesday, June 28 2023 as a Regular Holiday throughout the Philippines in observance of Eid’l Adha (Feast of Sacrifice).
As stated in Proclamation No. 258:
DECLARING WEDNESDAY, 28 JUNE 2023, A REGULAR HOLIDAY THROUGHOUT THE COUTNRY, IN OBSERVANCE OF EID’L ADHA (FEAST OF SACRIFICE)
WHEREAS, Eid’l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice is one of the two greatest feasts of Islam;
WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 9849 declared the Tenth day of Zhul Hijja, the Twelfth month of the Islamic Calendar, a national holiday for the observance of Eidul Adha (Eid’l Adha), with a movable date;
WHEREAS, following the 1444 Hijrah Islamic Lunar Calendar, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos has recommended that 28 June 2023, Wednesday, be declared a national holiday, in observance of Eid’l Adha;
The Importance of Eid’l Adha
Eid al-Adha, also known as Eid’l Adha, is celebrated as a holiday for several reasons:
Religious Significance: Eid al-Adha is one of the major religious festivals in Islam. It commemorates the obedience and faith of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of devotion to God. The holiday serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, submission to God, and following the example of Prophet Ibrahim.
Commemoration of a Historic Event: Eid al-Adha marks a significant event in Islamic history. According to Islamic tradition, when Prophet Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son, God intervened and provided a lamb for sacrifice instead. This event symbolizes God’s mercy, acceptance of Ibrahim’s devotion, and the importance of trust and obedience in one’s relationship with God.
Social and Cultural Importance: Eid al-Adha holds great social and cultural significance for Muslims worldwide. It is a time when families, friends, and communities come together to celebrate and strengthen their bonds. People dress in traditional attire, exchange greetings and gifts, and share meals. The holiday fosters a sense of unity, joy, and solidarity among Muslims.
Reflection and Remembrance: Eid al-Adha provides an opportunity for Muslims to reflect on the teachings of Islam, remember Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice, and contemplate the values of faith, sacrifice, and gratitude. It is a time for introspection, spiritual renewal, and seeking forgiveness.
Redistribution of Wealth and Charity: As part of the celebration, Muslims are encouraged to engage in acts of charity and compassion. The sacrificial meat from the animal sacrifice is distributed among family, friends, and the less fortunate, ensuring that everyone can partake in the festivities and share in the blessings of the occasion.
Given its religious, historical, social, and cultural significance, Eid al-Adha is observed as a holiday to allow Muslims to engage fully in the commemoration, celebrations, and spiritual practices associated with the occasion. It is a time of joy, reflection, and community engagement within the Muslim community.
Regular Holiday Pay Computation
So with June 28 being a Regular Holiday, how much should an employee be paid if the employee works on a Regular Holiday?
- Employee did not work on the regular holiday
- Employee worked the previous working day: Employee is entitled to his/her daily wage
- Employee was absent the previous working day: Employee is not entitled to his/her daily wage
- Employee worked for 8 hours or less during the regular holiday
- Employee will be paid his equivalent (hourly wage + COLA) x # of hours worked x 200%
- Employee worked for more than 8 hours during the regular holiday
- For the excess hours, multiply the hourly wage x # of excess hours x 130% x 200%.
If your company is using a Payroll System, make sure it is capable of handling Regular Holiday Pay Rules, including determining if an employee is entitled to Holiday Pay.
