PHL Embassy in Washington closed Feb. 17

The Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. will be closed on Feb. 17, Monday, in observance of President's Day in the United States.

In a post on its website early Thursday (Manila time), the embassy noted: "The Embassy will be closed on 17 February 2014 in observance of President's Day (US Federal Holiday)."

Presidents’ Day, celebrated on the third Monday in February, started in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, according to History.com.

It was initially celebrated on February 22, Washington’s birth anniversary, but became known as Presidents’ Day after it was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act.

"While several states still have individual holidays honoring the birthdays of Washington, Abraham Lincoln and other figures, Presidents’ Day is now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents past and present," it said. — LBG, GMA News