The Philippine national government through Malacañang Palace has declared January 15, 16 and 19 as Special Non-Working Days in the National Capital Region to celebrate the visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines. The confirmation of the declaration was announced to the media on Monday, December 22, 2014.
Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. issued Proclamation No. 936 on Monday, declaring three of the five days that the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, will be in Manila as Special Nonworking days in the National Capital Region.
The highest official of the country, Philippine President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III will welcome Pope Francis upon his arrival at Villamor Airbase on January 15, 2015, Thursday.
During the second day of Pope Francis visit to the country, on Friday, the President will lead the welcome ceremony for the Pope at the Palace’s Kalayaan grounds.
After the welcome party of Pope Francis, it will be followed by a meeting between the two leaders and meeting with officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Rizal Hall.
Pope Francis will hold a mass at the Manila Cathedral and will have a meeting with families at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.