The Philippine Embassy in Berlin will observe the following regular holidays, special non-working holidays, and German holidays for 2016:

 

	Date	Day	Philippine Holiday	German Holiday
1	01 January	Friday	New Year’s Day	New Year’s Day
2	08 February	Monday	Chinese New Year
3	25 February	Thursday	EDSA People Power Revolution
4	24 March	Thursday	Maundy Thursday
5	25 March	Friday	Good Friday	Good Friday
6	28 March	Monday		Easter Monday
7	05 May	Thursday		Ascension Day
8	16 May	Monday		Whit Monday
9	29 August	Monday	National Heroes Day
10	03 October	Monday		German Unity Day
11	31 October	Monday	Special Non-working Holiday
12	01 November	Tuesday	All Saints Day
13	30 November	Wednesday	Bonifacio Day
14	26 December	Monday		Second Christmas Day
15	30 December	Friday	Rizal Day
16	To be declared later		Eid Al-Fitr Holiday
17	To be declared later		Eid Al Adha Holiday

 

The proclamations declaring national holidays for the observance of Eid’l Fitr and Eidul Adha shall be issued after the approximate dates of the Islamic holidays have been determined in accordance with the Islamic calendar (Hijira) or the lunar calendar, or upon Islamic astronomical calculations.END

As we celebrate this Holiday Season in the spirit of renewal, reform and reconciliation, we continue to witness the Philippines’ emergence as one of the world’s growth engines.

Indeed, in terms of international diplomacy, 2015 has been a really good year for the Philippines.

From a successful APEC hosting in November and the launch of an ASEAN Community this month, to forging Strategic and Comprehensive Partnerships with key allies and partners in the region, the Philippines is increasingly recognized as a force for good.

Guided by the Aquino administration’s good governance agenda, the Department of Foreign Affairs continues to adhere to high standards in our daily tasks, whether in our policy, consular or protocolar work, and in our tireless efforts to promote the welfare, protect the rights and uphold the dignity of our overseas Filipinos.

We have succeeded in helping define our foreign policy as principled, independent and based on the rule of law.

We advocate for the value proposition of regional platforms such as ASEAN in working together towards achieving our common goals of shared prosperity and inclusive growth for all.

We strongly encourage our international partners and the business community to take part in adding meaningful chapters to the Philippines’ growth story.

As we count our blessings for the past year, please accept my most profound appreciation for all your commitment, contributions, hard work and above all, for “reaching beyond your grasp.” I am truly honored to be working with all of you.

I wish you and your loved ones all the very best of the Blessed Season and for the New Year!

 

ALBERT F. DEL ROSARIO
Secretary of Foreign Affairs