LEGAZPI CITY, June 15 -- Malacanang has declared separate special non-working holidays in two Bicol Region provinces to recognize significant local events.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto signed Proclamations 1308 and 1297 on June 10 and uploaded them to the Official Gazette on June 12.

Under Proclamation 1297, June 16 is a special non-working holiday in Pili, Camarines Sur, in celebration of its 71st founding anniversary.

Proclamation 1308 declared June 24 a non-working day in Masbate province for the Bagat-Dagat Festival.

In a social media post, Masbate Governor Richard Kho said one of the event's highlights is the provincial drum and lyre competition on June 24 in Cataingan town.

The champion will take home PHP300,000, first runn...