Malacañang has declared Monday, June 15, 2026, a special non-working day in the province of Pampanga to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the catastrophic 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo. The declaration was formalized through Proclamation No. 1280, which was signed by Acting Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto by the authority of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Commemoration of a Historic Disaster
The proclamation grants residents of Pampanga a special holiday, allowing them to fully participate in activities related to the anniversary. The eruption of Mount Pinatubo, which occurred on June 15, 1991, is recognized as the second largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century, following the 1912 eruption of Novarupta in Alaska.
Malacañang emphasized that the observance aims to ensure that the lessons and values learned from the disaster continue to be remembered by the people of Pampanga and future generations. The Office of the Governor of Pampanga formally requested that June 15, 2026 be declared a special non-working day in recognition of the event's significance.
Impact and Significance
The 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption caused massive destruction, affecting not only Pampanga but also the provinces of Zambales, Bataan, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija. The eruption led to the displacement of thousands of residents, widespread damage to infrastructure, and long-term environmental changes. Ashfall and lahar flows devastated communities, and the economic impact was felt for years.
The Palace stated that it is fitting to provide residents of Pampanga the opportunity to engage in commemorative activities, such as memorial services, educational programs, and community events, to honor the resilience of those who survived and to remember the lives lost. The special non-working day also serves as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and environmental stewardship.
