Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatines
Quezon Gity, Mletro Manila
Seventeenth Congress
Second Regular Session

7856

HOUSE BILL NO.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare September 8 of every year as a special working
holiday in the entire country to commemorate the Feast of the Nativity of the
Blessed Virgin Mary. According to the General Roman Calendar, September 8 is
the ninth month following the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary
which is celebrated on December 8. Republic Act No. 10966, principally
authored by the undersigned, declared December 8 of every year a special
nonworking holiday in the entire country to commemorate the Feast of
Immaculate Conception of Mary, Patroness of the Philippines. ‘This was enacted
on December 28, 2017 to enable Filipino Catholics to venerate and celebrate

their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

‘Though there were no exact accounts or documents providing for the

birth of Mary, the Profoenangelinm of James which was written at the early years of

v7


the 2" century, filled in the historical accounts and provided for the evolution
of the Christian belief and the development of Christian piety. ‘Traditional
beliefs and venerative practices handed down to generations of pious believers
highlights the important role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in our Christian faith.
The accounts, though not considered authoritative like the Bible, narrated the
birth of Mary to St. Joachim and St. Anne after their extensive prayer and
fasting for St. Anne to conceive. St. Anne and St. Joachim were then chosen to

start the great grand plan of God for the salvation of the world.

In the Philippines where Catholicism is fervent and deep, devotion to the
Blessed Virgin Mary is reflected by the celebrations particularly acts of
veneration, praying for miracles, and the attribution of granted petitions through
her intercession. Consecration and feasts are celebrated in accordance with the
Roman Catholic dogmas and that includes the birth of the Virgin Mary.

And in thanksgiving and honor to The Lady who conceived the Lord for
the redemption and salvation of the entire humanity, the celebration of her birth
is an expression of our love and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Saint
Augustine described the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary as an event of cosmic
and historic significance, and an appropriate prelude to the birth of Jesus Christ.
“She is the flower of the field from whom bloomed the precious lily of the valley,” he said.

For the foregoing reasons, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

2

RODOLFO C. FARINAS


Republic ofthe Bhiippines
House of Representatives
Quezon Gity, Mieteo Manila
Seventeenth Congress
Second Regular Session
7856

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative RODOLFO C. FARINAS

AN ACT DECLARING SEPTEMBER 8 OF EVERY YEAR AS A
SPECIAL WORKING HOLIDAY IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY TO
COMMEMORATE THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF THE
BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. September 8 of every year is hereby declared a special
working holiday in the entire country to commemorate the Feast of the Nativity

of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

SEC. 2. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,