Manila, Sept. 18 -- Malacanang has declared a special non-working day in 17 municipalities in Camarines Sur and Masbate on Friday to celebrate the Penafrancia Festival.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, by authority of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., signed Proclamation 1444 on Sept. 16, declaring Friday, Sept. 18, a special non-working day in the municipalities of Bombon, Bula, Calabanga, Camaligan, Canaman, Gainza, Libmanan, Magarao, Milaor, Minalabac, Ocampo, Pamplona, Pasacao, Pili, San Fernando, and Siruma, all in Camarines Sur, and the municipality of San Pascual in Masbate.

The proclamation said it will give constituents, government personnel, families, and visitors sufficient opportunity to participate in and support the cultu...