The presidential palace has declared June 24, Thursday, a special non-working holiday in the city of Manila to mark its 450th founding anniversary.
Manila was founded on June 24, 1571, by Spanish governor Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.
“It is but fitting and proper that the people of the city of Manila be given opportunity to celebrate the occasion with appropriate ceremonies,” read the proclamation.
The celebrations will, however, be subject to community quarantine, social distancing and other public health measures.
On the same day, Manila will also welcome its new archbishop, Cardinal Jose Advincula, who will be installed at the Manila Cathedral.
The cardinal’s installation will begin at 8 a.m. with a formal welcome by Manila City Mayor Francisco Domagoso.
At 8:30 a.m., a civic ceremony will be held at the Ayuntamiento, the old city hall of Manila that now houses the Bureau of the Treasury.
Five mayors of the cities within the Archdiocese of Manila — Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasay and San Juan — will be present.
From the Ayuntamiento, there will be a short procession to the Manila Cathedral.
Cardinal Advincula will be accompanied by Bishop Broderick Pabillo, Mayor Moreno, and the representatives of the Knights of Columbus, the Order of Malta, and the Equestrian Order of Jerusalem.
The solemn installation and celebration of the Holy Mass will follow at 9 a.m. at the Manila Cathedral.
