We live, breathe, and operate in the age of globalization. In the present day and age, businesses must integrate and interact with people, organizations, and governments worldwide. This approach to trade and commerce leads to expanded markets, better opportunities, larger audiences, strategic interdependence, and fluid cultural exchanges. For organizations to function seamlessly, they must understand the cultural nuances of the operating countries, including their unique holiday systems and religious observances. This is particularly true for companies leveraging the benefits of outsourcing.
In outsourcing, the Philippines has put itself prominently on the map. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and unique blend of Eastern and Western influences. As a result, the country celebrates several holidays and observances deeply embedded in its societal fabric. This cultural uniqueness shapes the country's vibrant workforce and influences its work culture. For global companies, comprehending these unique holidays is essential to anticipate potential impacts on deliverables and operations.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to the holidays and observances in the Philippines, aiding businesses to plan their financial year and outsourcing needs.
The Philippine calendar is imbued with various public holidays, each with its cultural or historical significance. Understanding these holidays is crucial for any global business operating in the country.
These holidays fall on the same date every year. On these days, most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed, and people participate in various cultural and patriotic activities. The list includes:
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| 1st January | New Year’s Day |
| 28th March | Maundy Thursday |
| 29th March | Good Friday |
| 9th April | Araw ng Kagitingan / Day of Valor |
| 10th April | Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadhan) |
| 1st May | Labor Day |
| 12th June | Independence Day |
| 26th August | National Heroes Day (Last Monday of August) |
| 30th November | Bonifacio Day |
| 25th December | Christmas Day |
| 30th December | Rizal Day |
These holidays are not pre-determined. They are usually flexible; they vary from year to year and can either be moved to the nearest Monday or decided by the government a few weeks before the actual date. Days like these have immense cultural, religious, or local significance and have a different pay rule than regular holidays. Here’s is list for 2024:
| Date | Holiday | |
|---|---|---|
| Special Non-Working Days | ||
| 21st August | Ninoy Aquino Day | |
| 1st November | All Saints’ Day | |
| 8th December | Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary | |
| Additional Non-Working Holidays | ||
| 9th April | Araw ng Kagitingan / Day of Valor | |
| 10th February | Chinese New Year | |
| 30th March | Black Saturday | |
| 2nd November | All Souls' Day | |
| 4th December | Christmas Eve | |
Are you planning to outsource to the Philippines? It is one of the best strategic moves you will make. However, please plan your timelines along the Filipino calendar before you commit to your clients. A clear understanding of the holiday schedule will help you plan effectively and minimize disruptions. Align your business needs with the local work culture, and rest assured you are in for a smooth and efficient ride throughout the year.
Professional and dedicated as the Filipino workforce is, the outsourcing companies here often plan their work around these holidays by either shifting deadlines to accommodate the non-working days or arranging for backup staff willing to work on these holidays. Whatever your priorities are, discuss them transparently with your service provider before entering a contract.
Assimilating a remote workforce and their cultural nuances into your operations is more than a matter of a few dates. The following sections will give you more insights into the lives and beliefs of the Filipinos. Browsing through this section will help you plan for contingencies and establish happy, long-term work relationships with your service providers.
Long weekends give employees the opportunity to plan activities with friends and loved ones. The holiday schedule for this year allows for several such prospects, including Holy Week --- one of the most significant holidays in the country.
Holy Week, a deeply revered period in the Philippines, offers the longest holiday stretch this year. Running from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday (March 28th -31st), it lets employees use their leave credits for rest, relaxation, or religious observances.
In addition to Holy Week, the year 2024 also presents several opportunities for three-day weekends. These include the New Year's Day weekend from December 30th to January 1st (Saturday-Monday), National Heroes Day weekend from August 24th to 26th (Saturday-Monday), and All Saints' Day weekend from November 1st to 3rd (Friday-Sunday). These long weekends are welcomed as excellent opportunities to unwind, spend time with family, or even go on short trips.
It starts with recognizing and rewarding employees to keep them motivated and dedicated to your cause. Businesses can show appreciation through holiday pay, bonuses, and other perks. During holidays, outsourcing companies may pay their employees even when they are not required to work, showing respect for their religious beliefs and cultural observances. This practice boosts employee morale and demonstrates a commitment to work-life balance.
Furthermore, offering bonuses, either in the form of cash or benefits, can be an incentive for employees to strive harder. It could boost performance, company profits, or significant events like the holiday season. Other perks, such as additional time off, flexible working hours, or even holiday gifts, can enhance employee satisfaction. Such gestures will contribute to a positive work culture where employees feel motivated to put in their best efforts.
The number of official public holidays in the Philippines for 2024 can vary depending on the presidential proclamations made each year. However, based on the standard annual calendar, there are usually around 20 national holidays, including regular holidays and special non-working holidays.
A universally observed holiday in the Philippines refers to a national holiday that is observed across all regions in the country. These typically include New Year's Day, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Labor Day, Independence Day, National Heroes Day, Bonifacio Day, Christmas Day, and Rizal Day.
The longest holiday period in the Philippines is during the Christmas season, starting from late December and extending into the first day of January. This period typically includes Christmas Day, Rizal Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day.
Philippine holidays have a significant impact on the outsourcing services industry. During these periods, businesses may need to adjust their operations to accommodate the holidays, which could involve additional costs such as holiday pay for employees who work during these days. However, these holidays can also present opportunities for businesses to schedule maintenance or upgrades, or to focus on strategic planning.
In the Philippines, the rules for holiday pay are governed by the Labor Code. For regular holidays, employees are paid 200% of their daily rate, regardless of whether they work that day. For special non-working holidays, employees are paid 130% of their daily rate if they work and receive no pay if they do not work unless there is a favorable company policy, practice, or collective bargaining agreement granting payment on these days.