March 7 declared special non-working day in Basilan

To mark its 38th foundation day, the province of Basilan will enjoy a special non-working day on Wednesday, March 7.

 

President Benigno Aquino III issued Proclamation 335, signed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., declaring the holiday to enable residents take part in activities marking the occasion.

 

Basilan was previously part of Zamboanga when the latter became a city in 1936.

 

After World War II, Basilan then became a separate city on July 1, 1948 by virtue of Republic Act. No. 288.

 

It then became a province on December 27, 1973 after then President Ferdinand Marcos issued Presidential Decree No. 356 to curb incessant fighting in the area. –KG, GMA News