MANILA (UPDATE) - The Palace on Wednesday announced that December 26 and January 2, both Mondays, are special non-working holidays.

Acting Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra signed Proclamation 117 declaring the two dates as special non-working days.

“The declaration of 26 December 2016 and 2 January 2017, both falling on a Monday, as special (non-working) days will give the people full opportunity to celebrate the holidays with their families and loved ones,” the proclamation reads.

“A longer weekend promotes domestic tourism and enables employers to plan their work schedules effectively and efficiently, resulting in improved productivity.”

December 24 (special non-working holiday), December 25 (regular holiday), December 31 (special non-working holiday) and January 1 (regular holiday) fall on a weekend this holiday season.

• READ: This calendar will help you plan your 2017 holidays