Manila: Before the month of April is over, three long weekends are coming up. The first is a five-day long weekend, which has kicked off today (April 6), Thursday as the Catholic-majority country observes Lent, which extends until Monday (April 10).

Holy Week

Pursuant to Proclamation No. 90, s. 2022, Malacañang declared April 6,7, and 10 of the year 2023 a regular holiday in observance of the Holy Week (April 6-9) — and the Day of Valor (April 10), according to the Official Gazette of Malacañang.

On March 21, 2023, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.  has declared April 6 and 7, 2023 as official holidays in the country.

In addition, Pres. Marcos has also declared April 10, Monday, as the Day of Valor ("Araw ng Kagitingan") as a regular holiday, as it marks the heroism of the country's soldiers.

According to the president, the purpose is to give Filipino Catholics an opportunity to meditate in accordance with the observance of Lent.

"Let's use this opportunity to give time to our loved ones while we are responsible for following health and safety protocols. May this time be peaceful and meaningful for everyone," the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) quoted the chief executive as saying.

Eid Al Fitr weekend

The second possible long weekend is Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month when Muslims across the world fast from dawn to dusk. The Philippines celebrates Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha as national holidays. Separate proclamations will be issued when the holidays will be observed, according to the Malacanang, the presidential palace.

Islamic countries are expected to sight the crescent of Shawwal on Thursday, April 20 — Eid Al Fitr is most likely to start on April 21 (Friday), according to the International Astronomical Centre.

This could be another opportunity for the long weekend in the Philippines.

Labour Day weekend

The third long weekend — three-days — is coming when the country marks Labour Day on May 1 (Monday), a regular holiday.