MANILA -- A Catholic priest welcomed President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of September 8 as a special working holiday in commemoration of the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Fr. Melvin Castro of the Diocese of Tarlac said this proves that the Duterte administration recognizes the importance of religious events in the country.
“It is certainly a cause of joy that the government and state recognize the importance of religious and spiritual celebrations,” Castro said in an interview on Wednesday.
“It is our hope and prayer that such celebrations inspire our people to emulate and imitate the virtues of Our Lady,” he added.
On August 8, President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed Republic Act 11370, declaring September 8 of every year as a special working holiday in the country to commemorate the religious occasion.
The Catholic church celebrates the birthday of Mother Mary every second week of September. She was born in Nazareth, Galilee.
The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary originated in Jerusalem, Israel in the early 6th century.
When a day has been declared as a special working holiday, it means that offices and other establishments are open and schools have classes. (PNA)
