Cebu City will observe a special non-working holiday on February 24, 2026, in celebration of its 89th Charter Day.
Classes and government work will be suspended, with regular operations resuming on February 25.
The annual holiday commemorates Cebu’s elevation from a municipality to a chartered city on February 24, 1937, through Commonwealth Act No. 58.
Signed into law by then-President Manuel L. Quezon, the legislation granted Cebu administrative autonomy, making it one of the earliest chartered cities in the Philippines and the first in the Visayas.
Authored by Cebuano Senator Vicente Rama, the act established a city government led by an elected mayor and council, allowing Cebu to manage finances, enact local ordinances, and oversee development.
By this time, Cebu had already established itself as a key port and trading center, historically known as “Sugbu,” and had long been a strategic settlement before Spanish colonization.
In 1565, Miguel López de Legazpi established Villa San Miguel, marking the start of formal Spanish administration in the Philippines.
Charter Day is marked annually with official ceremonies organized by the city government, including wreath-laying activities and recognition of individuals and institutions that have contributed to the city’s growth.
The special non-working holiday applies only within Cebu City.
Private companies and institutions may issue separate advisories regarding work schedules. (LLP)
