Feb. 24 Declared Special Non-Working Day as Zamboanga Sibugay Marks Silver Anniversary
IPIL, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY - President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared Tuesday, February 24, 2026, a special (non-working) day in the Province of Zamboanga Sibugay as it celebrates its 25th Founding Anniversary, a Silver Jubilee that honors not only the province’s birth, but also the love, sacrifice, and perseverance that brought it into being. The declaration was made through Proclamation No. 1159, signed by Acting Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto by authority of the President, and issued on February 3, 2026, in the City of Manila.
The proclamation underscored the need to give the people of Zamboanga Sibugay full opportunity to participate in and enjoy the milestone celebration marking the province’s founding on February 24, 2026.
Zamboanga Sibugay’s creation in 2001 was the result of years of painstaking effort and unwavering commitment by its leaders and people, much like a mother who endures the long pains of labor before giving life. The dream of a separate province was nurtured through persistence and hope, and was finally realized during the tenure of its founding father, then Congressman Dr. George T. Hofer of the 3rd District of Zamboanga del Sur whose leadership helped bring that long-cherished vision to life.
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Now, 25 years later, the province stands as a testament to that hard-fought journey born of struggle, shaped by unity, and sustained by the collective love of its people. In celebration of its Silver Anniversary, the Provincial Government of Zamboanga Sibugay prepared a wide array of festive activities, including grand cultural shows, historical exhibits, civic and religious ceremonies, sports competitions, and community gatherings across the province, all designed to honor its heritage and celebrate its progress.
Declaring the date a special non-working holiday is expected to allow Sibugaynons from all walks of life to fully take part in the festivities, reunite with family and community, and reflect on the province’s remarkable journey.
