VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) -- The provincial government of Ilocos Sur announced on Jan. 5 that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared Feb. 2 a special (non-working) day in the province in observance of its 206th founding anniversary.

Under Proclamation No. 431, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Dec. 27, the date was made a special non-working holiday in the province to allow its residents the opportunity to celebrate its foundation day.

According to the Department of Labor and Employment, employees who attend work will receive an additional 30 percent of their daily rate while those who do not attend work will not get any pay.

In the Ilocos Region, the minimum wage rates are currently set at P435 for non-agriculture establishments with 10 or more workers, and P402 for non-agriculture establishments with less than 10 workers and agriculture workers.

Every year, the provincial government celebrates the founding anniversary of Ilocos Sur by organizing the Ilocos Sur Festival, formerly known as “Kannawidan Ylocos Festival.”

As of Wednesday, Jan. 10, the provincial government has not yet released the full schedule of the celebration.

However, two events have been confirmed: the LGBT Festival Queen 2024 and the Motocross.

The 40 official candidates for the LGBT pageant were selected in a screening held on Jan. 6 at the Provincial Farmers Livelihood Development Center here.

The provincial government is inviting motocross enthusiasts to attend and participate in the motocross on Feb. 10-11 at Poblacion Sur, Salcedo, Ilocos Sur.

Ilocos residents and festival-goers are advised to follow the official Facebook page of the provincial government at “The Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur” for more updates on the event. (JCR/MJTAB/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)