MANILA, Philippines--The Palace has declared Jan. 23, 2024, a special non-working holiday in Bulacan province to commemorate the founding anniversary of the First Philippine Republic. "It is but fitting and proper that the people of the Province of Bulacan be given full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration," states Proclamation No. 428, released Monday. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed the document on Dec. 20. The First Philippine Republic was formally proclaimed in Malolos, Bulacan, by the country's first president, Emilio Aguinaldo, on Jan. 23, 1899. RELATED STORY Our only republic...Keep on reading: Palace declares special holiday in Bulacan to honor First Republic anniversary