Philippine Public Holidays 2026: Dates and Tips for Students
Planning your English course for 2026? It helps to know the Philippine public holidays. Some days are quiet, when offices and banks close, and some weeks are the busiest travel times of the year, when flights and boats to Boracay fill up fast. Here is the official list for 2026 and what it means for students.
The dates below come from Proclamation No. 1006, signed on 3 September 2025, which declares the regular holidays and special days for 2026. The government can add or move days during the year, so check the latest announcements before you book.
Regular holidays 2026
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| Thursday, 1 January | New Year's Day |
| Thursday, 2 April | Maundy Thursday |
| Friday, 3 April | Good Friday |
| Thursday, 9 April | Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) |
| Friday, 1 May | Labor Day |
| Friday, 12 June | Independence Day |
| Monday, 31 August | National Heroes Day |
| Monday, 30 November | Bonifacio Day |
| Friday, 25 December | Christmas Day |
| Wednesday, 30 December | Rizal Day |
Special (non-working) days 2026
| Date | Day |
|---|---|
| Tuesday, 17 February | Chinese New Year |
| Saturday, 4 April | Black Saturday |
| Friday, 21 August | Ninoy Aquino Day |
| Sunday, 1 November | All Saints' Day |
| Monday, 2 November | All Souls' Day |
| Tuesday, 8 December | Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary |
| Thursday, 24 December | Christmas Eve |
| Thursday, 31 December | Last Day of the Year |
The proclamation also makes Wednesday, 25 February (the EDSA People Power Revolution anniversary) a special working day, so it is a normal working day.
Holidays announced later
Two Muslim holidays, Eid'l Fitr and Eid'l Adha, are national holidays too, but their dates depend on the Islamic calendar. They are proclaimed separately during the year. The government also sometimes declares extra special days, for example local holidays for a province or city, at shorter notice.
What holidays mean for students
Paradise English runs courses all year round. Holidays can still affect classes, offices and travel, and the school calendar for a given date is something we confirm directly. If your course falls around a holiday, ask us about the school calendar for your dates and we will tell you exactly what to expect.
Beyond school, here is what usually changes on a holiday in the Philippines:
- Government offices close, including immigration offices. If your visa extension is due around a holiday, plan it a few days early. Our Study Permit and visa guide explains the timing, and our office helps every week.
- Banks may close, so get some cash before a long weekend.
- Shops, restaurants and beaches on Boracay usually stay open, and holidays can make the island busier and livelier.
The busiest weeks to travel
Holy Week (2 to 4 April 2026)
Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Black Saturday make Holy Week one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Many Filipinos travel home or to the beach, so domestic flights to Caticlan and Kalibo, boats and hotels fill up early. If you start your course around Easter, book flights and rooms as early as you can.
Christmas and New Year
From Christmas Eve to New Year's Day, the Philippines celebrates in a big way, and Boracay is a popular place to do it. Expect higher demand for flights and rooms, plus a festive atmosphere on White Beach. Plan your arrival and departure dates early.
Long weekends
In 2026, several holidays fall on a Friday or Monday, such as 1 May, 12 June, 31 August and 30 November. Long weekends bring more visitors to the island, so it is worth booking transport a little earlier.
Festivals near Boracay
Holidays are not the only special days. The famous Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, on the same island as Boracay, is held every January, with drums, costumes and street parades. Our students have joined it in past years; read about it in Paradise English students join the Ati-Atihan festival. For more ideas, see things to do on Boracay after class.
Planning tips
- Check the weather as well as the holidays: our guide to the best time to study on Boracay explains the seasons.
- Arrive a day or two before your course starts if you travel during a busy period.
- Keep the official holiday announcements in mind if you plan a visa extension.
- Use our guide on how to get to Boracay to plan flights and transfers.
FAQ
Is Paradise English open on public holidays?
It depends on the date. Contact us with your course dates and we will confirm the school calendar for you.
When is Holy Week in 2026?
Maundy Thursday is 2 April and Good Friday 3 April (both regular holidays), followed by Black Saturday on 4 April (a special non-working day).
Are Eid holidays included in this list?
No. Eid'l Fitr and Eid'l Adha are proclaimed separately, once their dates are set.
Can I extend my visa on a holiday?
Government offices, including immigration, are usually closed on holidays, so plan your extension a few days before.
Is it hard to travel to Boracay at Christmas?
It is a busy time, so book flights, boats and rooms early. Once you are here, the festive season on the island is a great experience.
