Manila, Sept. 17 -- Under Presidential Proclamation 654, series of 2013, Friday has been declared a special non-working holiday in Naga City.

"The office of the mayor requested that every Friday immediately preceding the Penafrancia Festival be declared as a special day in the City of Naga, to strengthen the cultural and religious values of Naguenos," the proclamation read.

For the 2026 Penafrancia Festival, the special non-working holiday falls on Sept. 18, ahead of the major activities culminating in the Penafrancia Fluvial Procession along the Naga River on Sept. 19.

The holiday comes as Naga City hosts thousands of devotees and visitors for this year's celebration honoring Our Lady of Penafrancia, the patroness of the Bicol Region....