Employees and businesses in Metro Manila have three additional dates to account for this November. Under Proclamation No. 1447, November 16, 17, and 18, 2026 are special non-working days in the National Capital Region (NCR) as the Philippines hosts the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
The declaration applies to NCR, not the entire Philippines, and aims to ease traffic and help ensure the safety and security of summit participants, according to the Presidential Communications Office.
| Date | Day | Classification | Area covered |
| November 16, 2026 | Monday | Special non-working day | NCR |
| November 17, 2026 | Tuesday | Special non-working day | NCR |
| November 18, 2026 | Wednesday | Special non-working day | NCR |
Why were the days declared non-working?
The summit will bring regional leaders and delegations to Metro Manila. The proclamation cites traffic congestion and security needs as reasons for the three-day declaration, and expressly limits the special non-working days to the National Capital Region.
The dates are an addition to the holidays in the original 2026 Philippine holiday calendar. Teams using an annual calendar should add November 16 to 18 separately and mark their NCR coverage clearly.
What does the holiday mean for pay?
A special non-working day follows different pay rules from a regular holiday. Under the Department of Labor and Employment’s 2026 holiday pay guidance, the general rules are:
| Situation on an applicable special non-working day | General pay rule |
| Employee does not work | Generally no work, no pay, unless a favorable company policy, practice, or agreement provides otherwise |
| Employee works | 130% of the basic wage for the first eight hours |
| Employee works, and the date is also their rest day | 150% of the basic wage for the first eight hours |
For a comparison with regular and special working holidays, read our guide to the types of Philippine holidays. Employees should check their schedule and payroll arrangements with HR, especially if they work remotely, report outside NCR, or support a client in another country. Employers should also check for any DOLE guidance issued specifically for these newly declared dates.
What should employees and businesses do now?
If your work is based in Metro Manila, confirm whether you are scheduled to work on November 16 to 18 and whether any shifts or approved leave need adjusting. Ask HR how the declaration applies to your work arrangement before making travel plans or estimating your pay.
For businesses with customer support or other continuous operations, the early notice provides time to agree on coverage with clients, confirm staffing and escalation contacts, and prepare payroll using the correct holiday classification. Teams outside NCR should avoid assuming that the Metro Manila declaration changes their own work calendars.
Frequently asked questions
Is November 16–18, 2026 a holiday throughout the Philippines?
No. November 16–18, 2026 are special non-working days in the National Capital Region under Proclamation No. 1447. The declaration does not make those dates nationwide holidays.
Is work prohibited during the ASEAN Summit holiday?
No. A special non-working day does not prohibit work. Employees scheduled to work on an applicable date should receive the appropriate special-day pay under the applicable rules.
Will employees receive double pay on November 16–18?
No. November 16–18 are classified as special non-working days, not regular holidays. The general rate for the first eight hours of work is 130% of the basic wage, or 150% if the date is also the employee’s rest day.
Confirm your schedule early. If you’re an employee, ask HR how the NCR declaration affects your shifts and pay.
Looking ahead to the holidays? Explore career opportunities at Reliasourcing and discover roles where you can continue building your career while becoming part of #LifeAtReliasourcing.
About Reliasourcing
Reliasourcing is a premier outsourcing solutions provider in the Philippines. We deliver tailored services that help businesses across industries achieve operational efficiency and scalability. With a focus on customer experience and innovation, Reliasourcing continues to be a trusted partner in unlocking potential through outsourcing.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and X for more information on the latest trends and insights in outsourcing, the industry, and the Philippines.
Connect with us or become part of our growing team today!
