San Juan City: Malaca±ang has declared June 24 a special non-working day in the City of San Juan to celebrate the Wattah! Wattah! Festival. The declaration was made through Proclamation No. 929, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on June 13, allowing residents to fully participate in the festivities.

According to Philippines News Agency, the proclamation was made public on Tuesday. The Wattah! Wattah! Festival is an annual event honoring the city's patron saint, St. John the Baptist, known in Catholicism for baptizing Jesus Christ. The celebration features a tradition where both children and adults take to the streets to splash water on passersby, symbolizing the act of baptism.

The festival faced criticism last year when videos surfaced on social media showing residents dousing unwary motorists and pedestrians without consent, leading to damaged belongings. In response, the City Government of San Juan issued an apology and announced future adjustments for the event. Measures include designating specific areas for the traditional water splashing, known locally as "basaan," to prevent any inconvenience to the public.