March 20 2026 holiday Philippines

If you’re already looking forward to your next break, you aren’t alone. As March 2026 rolls in, the big question for many Filipinos is: Is March 20, 2026, a holiday?

With several local proclamations recently released and a major religious observance on the horizon, here is the latest update on your holiday schedule and how it affects your long weekend plans.

The Big Answer: Is it a National Holiday?

Yes, March 20, 2026 (Friday), is expected to be a Regular Holiday nationwide in observance of Eid’l Fitr (the Feast of Ramadhan).

Under Proclamation No. 1006, which outlines the 2026 holiday calendar, Eid’l Fitr is listed as a movable holiday. Based on current Islamic astronomical calculations, the end of Ramadan is projected to fall on this date.

Popbits Tip: While the date is tentative until the official moon sighting by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), travelers and employees are already tagging this as the start of a 3-day long weekend from March 20 to March 22.

Local Holidays: March 20 in San Fernando, La Union

Residents of the City of San Fernando, La Union, have even more reason to celebrate. Under Proclamation No. 1162, Malacañang has officially declared March 20, 2026, a Special Non-Working Day in the city to mark its Founding Anniversary.

If you’re planning an “Elyu” trip, expect local festivities, parades, and a higher-than-usual volume of tourists enjoying the long weekend by the beach!

Other March 2026 Holidays You Should Know

The Palace has been busy signing local holiday proclamations (Proclamations 1164 to 1179). If you live in these areas, take note of your day off:

• March 16 (Monday): Davao City (Araw ng Pasasalamat / Araw ng Davao)
• March 18 (Wednesday): Masbate Province (Founding Anniversary)
• March 19 (Thursday): Canlaon City, Negros Oriental (Pasayaw Festival)
• March 24 (Tuesday): Tabaco City, Albay (25th Cityhood Anniversary)

2026 Sweet Spot Long Weekends: The Best Dates to Book Your PH Travels Now

Planning a vacation in the Philippines is all about timing. If you wait until the last minute, flights to Siargao or Boracay triple in price. Planning ahead of time also means you can unlock several “Sweet Spot” long weekends in 2026 without using too many leave credits.

From a 4-day Holy Week break to a rare 5-day year-end transition, here are the dates you need to mark on your calendar today.

Holiday Pay Rules: How Much Will You Earn?

Since March 20 is a Regular Holiday (Eid’l Fitr), employees who report for work are entitled to premium pay under DOLE guidelines:

1. Work on Regular Holiday: 200% of the daily wage for the first 8 hours.
2. Overtime: An additional 30% of the hourly rate on said day.
3. Rest Day Work: If Friday is your scheduled rest day, you receive an additional 30% on top of the 200% rate.

For more on Holiday Pay Rules in the Philippines read our article on How to Compute Holiday Pay in the Philippines: 2026 Guide & Formulas

Where to Go: Long Weekend Destinations for March 20

With the official declaration of March 20, 2026, as a nationwide holiday for Eid’l Fitr, thousands of Filipinos are planning a quick getaway. Whether you want to beat the summer heat or find a cultural experience, here are the top spots for your 3-day break:

1. San Fernando & San Juan, La Union (Top Pick!)

This is the ultimate destination for this specific weekend. Not only is it a national holiday, but San Fernando City is also celebrating its Founding Anniversary on March 20.

• The Vibe: A mix of cultural parades in the city and world-class surfing in San Juan.
• Pro-Tip: Check out our specialized guide on the San Fernando La Union Founding Anniversary events and travel tips to see why this is the best spot for your March 20 getaway.

2. Baguio City

Not a fan of the beach? Baguio is the perfect mountain alternative for your March 20 Long Weekend

As the Metro Manila temperature rises, the “Summer Capital” remains a classic choice.

• The Vibe: Relaxed café hopping and thrift shopping (ukay-ukay) along Session Road.
• Note: Bus tickets for the March 20-22 window are expected to sell out fast, so book via Victory Liner or JoyBus by early March.

3. Boracay Island

For those looking for a “fly-away” destination, Boracay’s White Beach is entering its prime summer season.

• The Vibe: Sun-soaked days and vibrant nightlife.
• Note: Since this is a nationwide regular holiday, expect “peak season” rates at major resorts.

4. Staycation in Metro Manila

If you want to avoid the “exodus” traffic heading North and South, the metro offers a quiet retreat.

• The Vibe: Five-star hotel deals in BGC or Makati and crowd-free malls.
• Pay Tip: If you’re staying in the city to work instead of vacation, make sure you know your rights! See our Holiday Pay Computation Guide to calculate your 200% daily rate.

Stay tuned to Popbits for the final Malacañang announcement on the official Eid’l Fitr date!