MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has officially confirmed that Friday, March 20, 2026, is a National Regular Holiday in observance of Eid’l Fitr (The Feast of Ramadhan).
For Employees: Calculate your take-home pay with our March 20 Holiday Pay & DOLE Compliance Guide.
For Travelers: Don’t break the bank—check out our 3-Day Itineraries Under ₱5,000 for the Eid’l Fitr break.
The declaration was formalized through Proclamation No. 1189, s. 2026, which was signed on March 12 by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto by authority of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. The announcement has sparked immediate interest among travelers and employees, as it officially creates the first major 3-day long weekend of the 2026 Philippine summer season.
The Official Proclamation: What You Need to Know
Every year, the dates for Eid’l Fitr vary based on the Islamic lunar calendar (Hijra). For 2026, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) recommended March 20 as the date for the national observance following the completion of the holy month of Ramadan.
Key Details of Proclamation No. 1189:
- Holiday Type: Regular Holiday (Nationwide).
- Significance: It honors the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan, promoting national cultural awareness and religious harmony.
- Coverage: All government and private sector offices, schools, and institutions across the Philippines.
The 2026 “March Madness” Long Weekend
Because the holiday falls on a Friday, Filipinos can enjoy an extended break without needing to use vacation leaves. This March 20-22 (Friday to Sunday) window is expected to see a surge in domestic tourism.
Why travel now?
- Pre-Holy Week Window: Traditionally, Holy Week (scheduled for April 2–5, 2026) is the busiest travel period in the Philippines. March 20 offers a quieter, more affordable alternative for beach trips and family reunions.
- Summer Kickoff: With the PAGASA summer season usually beginning in March, the weather is ideal for destinations like Batangas, Zambales, and La Union.
Holiday Pay Rules for March 20, 2026
Since March 20 is a Regular Holiday, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) mandates specific pay rules for employees:
1. If you DO NOT work:
You are entitled to 100% of your daily wage, provided you were present or on leave with pay on the workday immediately preceding the holiday.
$Daily Wage \times 100\%$
2. If you DO work (First 8 hours):
You are entitled to 200% of your daily wage.
$Daily Wage \times 200\%$
3. If you work OVERTIME (Beyond 8 hours):
You get an additional 30% of your hourly rate on said day.
$(Hourly Rate \times 200\% \times 130\%) \times OT Hours$
4. If it is your REST DAY and you work:
You receive an additional 30% on top of the 200% holiday pay.
$Daily Wage \times 200\% \times 130\%$
Cultural Significance of Eid’l Fitr
Eid’l Fitr, also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is one of the two most important holidays in Islam. In the Philippines, the celebration is marked by:
- Salat al-Eid: Special prayers held in mosques and open fields (such as the Quirino Grandstand).
- Zakat al-Fitr: Acts of charity and giving to the less fortunate.
- Feasting: Families gather to share traditional dishes, marking the end of the spiritual discipline of Ramadan.
Planning Your Long Weekend
With the declaration now official, here are the top trending search categories for the March 20 break:
- Near-Manila Road Trips: Tagaytay, Clark, and Subic.
- Quick Flights: Boracay, Cebu, and Puerto Princesa.
- Staycations: Manila Bay and BGC hotel deals.
Guide for Travelers
Budget Travel: How to Spend the Eid’l Fitr Break for Under ₱5,000
Long Weekend Guide:
