September 3 declared as special working holiday

THE HOUSE of Representatives concurred with the amendments made by the Senate on House Bill 5640 authored by Baguio City lawmaker Mark Go declaring September 3 as special working public holiday throughout the country.

This is in commemoration of the surrender of the Japanese military forces led by General Tomoyuki Yamashita in Baguio City.

“This declaration is significant not only in the City of Baguio but to the whole country as well. This highlights the triumphant liberation of the Filipino people and the Philippines from the hands of Japanese forces during the Second World war,” Go explained.

History reveals after the bombing of the Pearl Harbor, the first casualty of Japanese air raids in Luzon was Camp John Hay together with Manila. Baguio served as garrison during the Japanese occupation due

to the city’s strategic military value.

“World War II ended when General Yamashita signed the surrender documents to US Lt. General Jonathan Wainwright and British Lt. Gen. Arthur Percival in Baguio City. This marked the end of the arduous years of said war in our country,” the Baguio solon said.

“Declaring September 3 as a special working public holiday throughout the country is a recognition of this victorious and noteworthy piece of our history that should never be forgotten,” Go said.

The measure is now set to be enrolled and transmitted to Malacañang for the President’s signature.