By September 13 Declared as a Special Non-Working Day in CAR
In accordance with Proclamation No. 672, Series of 2024, September 13 has been declared a special non-working day in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). This declaration commemorates the 38th anniversary of the historic “Sipat” or Mount Data Peace Accord, signed on September 13, 1986, between the Philippine government and the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA), led by Fr. Conrado “Ka Ambo” Balweg.
The Historic Sipat Peace Talks
The 1986 Sipat Peace Talks took place at Mount Data Hotel in Bauko, Mountain Province, under the administration of then-President Corazon Aquino. “Sipat,” which means “peace agreement” in the Cordillera dialect, is an indigenous practice traditionally performed as the initial step before tribes formally enter a peace pact. The Mount Data Accord was a major event marking the cessation of hostilities between the government and the CPLA, symbolizing the start of peaceful negotiations for the Cordillera’s autonomy.
The peace agreement became a foundation for the eventual creation of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) in 1987, as stipulated by Executive Order No. 220. Each year, September 13 is commemorated to honor the region’s rich history of striving for peace and autonomy.
DOLE Guidelines for Special Non-Working Days
In observance of this special day, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued guidelines for special non-working days:
- No Work, No Pay: If the employee does not work, the employer is not required to pay, unless a company policy or a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) provides otherwise.
- For employees who work on the special day:
- They shall receive an additional 30% of their daily rate for the first eight hours (Daily rate × 130%).
- For work beyond eight hours, they are entitled to 30% of their hourly rate.
- If the special non-working day falls on an employee’s rest day, and they work, they shall receive an additional 50% of their daily rate (Daily rate × 150%).
