August 31, 2026 is a public holiday in the Philippines. Araw ng mga Bayani 2026 or National Heroes’ Day is celebrated on Monday, August 31, and it’s considered a regular holiday throughout the country.
That will shut down lots of government agencies, schools and businesses while eligible private-sector workers will be under regular-holiday pay provisions. The holiday also falls on Monday creating for some, a very convenient three days off (August 29 – 31), for Filipinos.
Is August 31, 2026 a Holiday in the Philippines?
Yes. According to Proclamation No. 1006, Series of 2025, which sets the Philippines’ 2026 international holiday calendar, the 31st of August is a regular holiday.
National Heroes Day, August 31 (last Monday in August) is one of the regular holidays in the Philippines according to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. proclamation.
This is significant because the rules for wages for a regular holiday are different from those of a special non-working day.
Ninoy Aquino Day on August 21, for instance, is designated a special non-working day (though not an official holiday); National Heroes Day on August 31 is a regular-holiday.
The government’s official announcement of 2026 holidays can be viewed on the Presidential Communications Office holiday proclamation by Filipinos.
National Heroes Day 2026 Holiday Pay Rules
The Department of Labor and Employment (Dolex) already released Labor Advisory (LabAd) No. 13, Series of 2026, which outlines the applicable wage rules for August 21 and the August 31st regular holiday.
Based on DOLE, those who are eligible but not working, should receive 100% of their daily wage, if the requirements on attendance or paid leave that preceded the holiday are met.
Anyone working days on some or all of August 31 should be paid double the base pay for the first eight hours.
When the regular holiday falls on an employee’s scheduled rest day and the employee works, the calculation becomes: basic wage × 200% × 130% first eight hours.
Premium-pay requirements for overtime. The Department of Labor and Employment provides updated guidance directly to workers.
Why Does the Philippines Celebrate National Heroes Day?
National Heroes Day celebrates the courage and sacrifice of Filipinos that helped in the struggle for the country’s freedom, independence and nation building efforts.
While acknowledging the efforts of one individual, the observance also offers an opportunity to recall the contributions of other people who are also Filipino, but may not have been given such recognition through history as the person.
Therefore, the holiday is not the same as either Rizal Day (which is celebrated to commemorate José Rizal) or Bonifacio Day (which celebrates Andres Bonifacio).
The concept of the Filipino hero is also incorporated into the general commemoration activities of the Philippines. Earlier this 2026, President Marcos underscored to Filipino soldiers and civilians that virtues like courage, compassion, and patriotism are also hallmarks of today’s armed forces in the country.
August 31 Holiday 2026: Long Weekend Travel
The Monday holiday turns into one of the advantageous long weekends in the Philippines 2026.
Keep an eye out for more congestion around popular travel hot spots and transportation hubs on Friday evening through Monday on road trips headed home.
Making advance plans for a bus, plane, and hotel could then be beneficial. Travelers are also advised to watch out for the weather before traveling since late August is the rainy season and the season of typhoons in the Philippines.
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