The Sangguniang Panlalawigan members of Palawan are set to request President Ferdinand “Bong-Bong” Marcos’ approval to declare August 25, 2023, as a special non-working holiday to celebrate 400 years of Christianity in Palawan.
Under Resolution Number 885-23, Board Member Maria Angela Sabando, author of the resolution, noted that the declaration of a holiday will signify not only the celebration of four centuries of Christianity in the province but also the important role it plays in shaping the culture and history of Palawan.
“Natatangi sa kalendaryo ng simbahang Katolika sa Palawan ang taong 2023 dahil sa paggunita sa ika-400 anibersaryo ng pagdating ng Kristiyanismo sa Palawan. “Apat na siglo ng mga pagpapahalagang humubog sa kultura’t kasaysayan ng ating bayan,” Sabando said.
“The same resolution may also be addressed to the chairman of the National Historical Commission because events like this have historical bearing,” Board Member Winston Arzaga added.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), 80% of Palawan’s population are Catholics, Sabando reported.
The resolution is rooted in the recommendations of the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa and the Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay, which aim to make the celebration province-wide.