On Thursday the 22nd, the President announced that Monday, December 26 will be a special non-working day.
In the Philippines, it is quite common for additional national holidays to be suddenly decided upon, as was the case this time.
The night of the 24th through the 25th is Christmas Day. Since the 25th falls on a Sunday this year, the decision to close the following day will make it a three-day weekend so that families can relax and spend time together.
I can imagine Filipinos shouting with joy at this decision.
After almost three years of restricted freedom of movement in the Philippines due to the new Corona disaster, families are free to gather and celebrate Christmas this year.
Many people working in urban areas are expected to take buses or boats back to the countryside where their families are waiting for them, and all ports are expected to be crowded.
The percentage of Filipinos expecting a joyful Christmas has also recovered to 73%, according to a Philippine research firm.
In particular, 80% of those who plan to spend Christmas with their families believe that it will be a happy Christmas, and the graph above clearly shows that Filipinos' standard for happiness is spending time with their families.
The graph above shows the level of happiness by region. Among the regions in the Philippines, the Visayas region has a particularly high level of happiness this year.
Last Christmas in the Visayas was just after Super Typhoon Odette hit the region, so it is understandable that people have high expectations for this year's Christmas.
Have a great Christmas, everyone!
