Long Weekend Alert: November 16 to 18 Are Special Non-Working Days in Metro Manila
To make way for the Philippines’ hosting of the ASEAN Summit.
Published on Sep 22, 2026
(SPOT.ph) Got any out-of-town plans this November? Because you might want to make some now that we've got an extra-long weekend coming up.
The Malacañang Palace has declared November 16 to 18, 2026 as special non-working days in the National Capital Region as the Philippines prepares to host the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits.
The three-day break runs from Monday to Wednesday, which means those who normally don't work on weekends will get five straight days off from November 14 to 18.
Just take note that the declaration only applies to Metro Manila.
Also read:
LIST: 2026 Holidays and Long Weekends in the Philippines
LIST: 2027 Holidays and Long Weekends in the Philippines
Why are November 16 to 18 considered special non-working days?
The holidays are a result of the Philippines' hosting of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, which will bring regional leaders and delegations to Metro Manila.
According to the proclamation, declaring November 16 to 18 non-working days will help “ease the traffic in the National Capital Region,” as well as ensure the safety and security of summit participants.
The summit will take place at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, which President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. inspected earlier this month as the government prepared the venue for the gathering. The newly renovated Coconut Palace is also being readied as an additional space for the ASEAN Summit.
The ASEAN Summit is Southeast Asia's highest policy-making body, where heads of state or government from member countries meet to set the direction of regional cooperation. It's usually held twice a year, with the Philippines hosting the first summit of 2026 in Cebu back in May.
That's because the Philippines is the ASEAN chair for 2026, which puts us in charge of hosting.
Also read: What's the Difference Between a Regular Holiday and a Special Non-Working Day?
Micah believes that writing is always political. Beyond the byline, you’ll find her bruising herself on a pole or doting on her beagle. Reach her at micah@spot.ph.