Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed into law two pieces of legislation that declare special non-working holidays in the provinces of Basilan and Sarangani.

According to Philippines News Agency, Republic Act (RA) 12142 designates November 28 each year as a special non-working holiday in Sarangani, commemorating the province's foundation anniversary. Meanwhile, RA 12143 establishes March 7 as a special non-working holiday in Basilan, celebrating its founding anniversary, which will be recognized as 'Araw ng Basilan.'

The holiday in Basilan also acknowledges the 'Tennun Pakaradjaan' as the province's official festival. This annual cultural festival in Basilan celebrates the Yakan culture, with a focus on the tradition of tapestry weaving. Tennun refers to the woven fabric created by Yakan people, while pakaradjaan translates to merrymaking in the Tausug and Yakan languages.

The newly signed RAs 12142 and 12143 will become effective 15 days after their publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.