August 21 Holiday Status: Class Suspensions, Work Rules, and DOLE Pay Guidelines for Ninoy Aquino Day

By admin Energy Buzz Contributor

August 20, 2026 3 min read

As the Philippines commemorates Ninoy Aquino Day tomorrow, August 21, 2026, Filipinos across the country are set to enjoy the first of two long weekends this month. Declared a nationwide Special (Non-Working) Day under Presidential Proclamation No. 1006, this holiday honours the life, sacrifice, and legacy of former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.

Here is a quick breakdown of what to expect regarding classes, office operations, and holiday pay for tomorrow.

Are There Classes Tomorrow?

No. All classes—from kindergarten to high school, as well as higher education institutions (universities and colleges)—are suspended nationwide in both public and private sectors. Online classes and asynchronous activities are also generally suspended.

Is There Work Tomorrow?

Government Offices: Closed. Government operations nationwide will pause for the holiday.

Private Sector: Work is generally suspended unless specific industries—such as healthcare, business process outsourcing (BPO), retail, or emergency response—require staff on duty.

Workplace Pay Rules for August 21

Under Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Labor Advisory No. 13, Series of 2026, the following pay guidelines apply for Special (Non-Working) Days:

“No Work, No Pay” Principle: Employees who do not work will not receive pay for the day, unless existing company policy or a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) says otherwise.
Work Rendered (First 8 Hours): Employees working on the holiday shall receive an additional 30% of their basic daily wage (a total of 130%).
Overtime Work: Any work rendered beyond eight hours earns an additional 30% of the hourly rate on that day.
Work on a Scheduled Rest Day: Employees working on the holiday that also falls on their scheduled rest day will receive an additional 50% of their basic daily wage (a total of 150%) for the first 8 hours.

Why Do We Observe Ninoy Aquino Day?

Signed into law via Republic Act No. 9256 in 2004, Ninoy Aquino Day marks the anniversary of the former senator’s assassination at the Manila International Airport (now Ninoy Aquino International Airport) on August 21, 1983. His death served as a major catalyst for the restoration of democracy in the country, eventually leading to the 1986 People Power Revolution.

Looking Ahead: Another Long Weekend Coming

Filipinos can look forward to another extended break later this month, as National Heroes Day on Monday, August 31, 2026, will be observed as a Regular Holiday.