Mauie Flores

Businesses engaged in the travel industry should be rejoicing because it's another long weekend. I guess a lot of families are headed somewhere this weekend. Mine is not since my husband is on weekend duty. Anyway, for those who do not know, we call this Philippine Holiday Economics!

In July 25, 2007, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed RA 9492 entitled "An Act Rationalizing the Celebration of National Holidays". The law has made holiday economics official as most holidays (except those with religious significance) are shifted to the nearest Monday or Friday. This August 31, we will be celebrating National Heroes Day but the date really is the original day of celebration.

When the law was enacted, it was received with both raves and rants. Two years after the enactment, people have gotten used to the long weekends that they have actually adapted to it. Take for instance the travel agencies who have already made itineraries revolving on these long weekends. It sure is good business for them.

While you cannot even have Vegas vacations on long weekends, the extra day off has given families more hours to spend with each other. Now that is one thing about long weekends that I am happy about.


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