Arroyo declares Black Saturday special non-working holiday

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Wednesday announced that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has declared April 11, Black Saturday, as a special non-working holiday. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the declaration was by virtue of Proclamation No. 1752, which President Arroyo signed on April 8. On this note, those who are obliged to work on Saturdays would enjoy a longer weekend because April 9 and 10 (Maundy Thursday and Good Friday) are regular holidays as part of the commemoration of Holy Week. Ermita said that because April 11 falls between Good Friday and Easter Sunday – both non-working days – the President found it fitting to have Black Saturday declared a non-working day as well. Filipinos had just enjoyed a long weekend because last Monday, April 6, was declared a holiday because President Arroyo moved the observance of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) from April 9 to April 6. - Sophia Dedace, GMANews.TV