Clear your calendar: next Monday, August 31, 2026, is Araw ng mga Bayani or National Heroes Day, a regular holiday nationwide. That means no classes, no government work, and double pay for those reporting to their posts.
What closes on August 31
As a regular holiday under Proclamation 727, schools at all levels suspend classes and government offices close, per DOLE’s pay-rules advisory. Private companies operate at their discretion, but holiday pay rules apply either way. Banks follow the regular-holiday calendar too, so settle transfers before the long weekend.
The DOLE pay rules, in one table
| Scenario (Aug 31, regular holiday) | Pay |
|---|---|
| Did not work | 100% of daily wage |
| Worked, first 8 hours | 200% of daily wage |
| Worked on your rest day | 200% x 130% of daily wage |
| Overtime | Plus 30% of hourly rate on top of holiday rate |
DOLE reminded employers that the same advisory covered Ninoy Aquino Day on August 21, a special non-working day where the no work, no pay principle applies unless company policy says otherwise, per PNA.
Why this long weekend matters
National Heroes Day honors all of the country’s heroes, known and unknown, marked every last Monday of August. It is also the last long weekend before the -Ber months kick in, which historically means peak travel: expect full beaches, priced-up fares, and EDSA out of the city. If your town also issued weather-related class suspensions this week, like the ones in our August 25 walang pasok list, note those are separate from Monday’s nationwide holiday.
Quick answers
Is August 31, 2026 a holiday? Yes, National Heroes Day is a regular holiday nationwide, falling on Monday, August 31.
How much is the pay? 200% of your daily wage for the first eight hours if you work; 100% even if you don’t; 260% if it falls on your rest day.
Walang pasok ba? Yes for schools and government offices nationwide; private work depends on your employer.
The bottom line
One regular holiday, one long weekend, and a fresh set of pay rules to memorize. For how special non-working days differ, revisit our Ninoy Aquino Day explainer, and plan the beach accordingly.
