Travel Considerations: Flights, Accommodation, and Crowds

February is a generally pleasant time to visit the Philippines, often characterized by cooler, drier weather after the peak typhoon season. However, the holidays can throw a wrench into otherwise smooth plans:

• Flight and Accommodation Bookings: While not as impactful as Christmas or Holy Week, the Lunar New Year (Feb 17) can see increased domestic travel, especially to major cities or tourist destinations where Filipino-Chinese families gather. Book your flights and hotels well in advance to secure better rates and availability.
• Crowds: Tourist spots, particularly in cities with large Filipino-Chinese communities, might experience higher foot traffic and celebratory events around Lunar New Year. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider planning your activities around this date.
• Transportation: Public transport (buses, trains, ferries) might be busier, particularly on the days leading up to and immediately following Lunar New Year and the EDSA Anniversary, as people travel to and from their hometowns or for short breaks.
• Cultural Sensitivity: During the start of Ramadan (Feb 18), especially if you plan to visit Muslim-majority areas in Mindanao, be extra mindful. Dress modestly, and avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours out of respect for those observing the fast. Many restaurants may also adjust hours.

Business Implications: Workforce, Deadlines, and Communication

For U.S. businesses with operations, partners, or clients in the Philippines, February 2026 holidays require careful strategizing:

• Workforce Availability: On February 17 (Lunar New Year) and February 25 (EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary), expect many Filipino employees to be off work. Banks and government offices will also be closed. Plan your project deadlines and communication schedules accordingly.
• Lead Times: If you rely on Philippine manufacturing, services, or support, build in extra lead time for tasks that span these holidays. Production might slow, and response times could be delayed.
• Banking and Transactions: International bank transfers or any financial transactions involving Philippine banks might be delayed around these non-working days. Factor this into your cash flow and payment schedules.
• Communication Strategy: Inform your U.S. teams about these Philippine holidays well in advance. Set clear expectations for communication and response times with your Filipino counterparts. Consider proactive outreach before the holidays to tie up loose ends or set priorities for when work resumes.

Cultural Sensitivity and Local Etiquette

Showing respect for local customs and holidays goes a long way. When engaging with Filipinos during these periods:

• Offer Greetings: A simple ‘Gong Xi Fa Cai’ (Happy New Year) during Lunar New Year or ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ (Blessed Ramadan) to Muslim colleagues shows respect and goodwill.
• Understand Their Pace: During observances like Ramadan, the rhythm of the day can shift. Be patient and understanding.
• Respect the Significance: For EDSA, it’s a day of national pride and remembrance. Avoid making light of the occasion or engaging in political discussions unless invited and you’re well-informed.

How Philippine Holidays Are Declared: A Quick Overview

Ever wondered how these holidays come to be? In the Philippines, the authority to declare holidays primarily rests with the President of the Philippines. This is done through official presidential proclamations.

There are generally two types of proclamations:

1. Annual Proclamations: Towards the end of each year, the President typically issues a proclamation outlining the regular holidays and special (non-working) days for the upcoming year. This provides foresight for individuals, businesses, and government agencies to plan accordingly. The dates for holidays like the EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary are usually fixed in these annual declarations.
2. Special Proclamations: Sometimes, additional special (non-working) days or even local holidays might be declared for specific events, anniversaries, or to create longer weekends. These can happen throughout the year and are usually announced with sufficient lead time, though sometimes they can be last-minute.

Holidays based on lunar calendars, like the Lunar New Year and the start of Ramadan (Eid’l Fitr and Eid’l Adha are full holidays), are often included in these proclamations, with their dates adjusted annually based on astronomical calculations or sightings.

Beyond February: Looking Ahead in 2026 Philippines Holidays

February is just one piece of the puzzle! If you’re planning for the entire year, it’s helpful to have a glimpse of other major holidays in the Philippines. This allows for more comprehensive travel and business planning, helping you avoid other periods of closures or peak travel.

Month (Approx.)	Holiday Name	Type (General)
April	Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday	Regular Holiday / Special Non-Working Day
May	Labor Day (Araw ng Paggawa)	Regular Holiday
June	Independence Day (Araw ng Kalayaan)	Regular Holiday
August	Ninoy Aquino Day, National Heroes Day	Special Non-Working Day / Regular Holiday
November	All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day (Observance)	Special Non-Working Day / Observance
December	Bonifacio Day, Christmas Day, Rizal Day	Regular Holiday

Remember that Islamic holidays like Eid’l Fitr and Eid’l Adha, while Regular Holidays, have dates that vary annually based on lunar sightings, similar to the start of Ramadan. Their specific 2026 dates will be officially announced closer to the time.

Accessing Your Printable February 2026 Philippines Calendar

While many sites offer downloadable PDFs, I wanted to ensure you have all the information right here, ready for your immediate use. You can easily print this entire page or simply copy the tables provided to create your own personalized calendar. The advantage? You get all the context and detailed explanations right alongside the dates, which those generic printables often lack.

Use the calendar table at the top of this article as your primary reference. I’ve designed it to be clear and straightforward, allowing you to quickly mark your own planning documents. For a more detailed breakdown, the February 2026 Philippines Public Holidays & Observances table provides all the critical data points you’d need, from the type of holiday to its significance.

This approach gives you the flexibility to integrate this crucial information into your existing planning tools, whether it’s a digital calendar, a physical planner, or a shared business document.

Wrapping Up Your February 2026 Philippines Planning

There you have it – your comprehensive guide to the February 2026 calendar with Philippines holidays. You’re now equipped with the essential dates, the deeper cultural and historical context, and actionable advice for managing your travel or business plans from the U.S.

Understanding these nuances isn’t just about avoiding inconvenience; it’s about fostering respect and making your experiences in or with the Philippines more meaningful and successful. So go ahead, mark those calendars, and plan your February 2026 with confidence and clarity!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main public holidays in the Philippines for February 2026?

For February 2026, the Philippines has two official Special (Non-Working) Days: Lunar New Year on Tuesday, February 17th, and the EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary on Wednesday, February 25th. The Start of Ramadan on February 18th is a significant observance for Muslims but is not a nationwide public holiday.

Will banks and government offices be open on Lunar New Year (February 17, 2026) in the Philippines?

No, Lunar New Year (February 17, 2026) is declared a Special (Non-Working) Day nationwide. This means most banks, government offices, and many private businesses will be closed. It’s advisable to complete any urgent transactions before this date.

How does the EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary (February 25, 2026) affect travel and business?

The EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary on February 25, 2026, is a Special (Non-Working) Day. Expect closures for government offices, schools, and many private businesses. Travel will generally be unaffected by crowds, but services might be limited due to closures. Business operations will likely halt for the day.

Is the start of Ramadan (February 18, 2026) a non-working holiday in the Philippines?

No, the start of Ramadan on February 18, 2026, is an observance for the Muslim community and is not a nationwide public holiday. While it signifies a holy month of fasting and prayer, general business and government operations typically continue as usual. However, it’s important to be culturally sensitive, especially in Muslim-majority regions.

What’s the difference between a ‘Regular Holiday’ and a ‘Special (Non-Working) Day’ in the Philippines?

Regular Holidays are usually fixed dates (e.g., Christmas, New Year’s Day) where employees typically receive 100% pay even if they don’t work. Special (Non-Working) Days, like Lunar New Year and EDSA Anniversary, generally follow a ‘no work, no pay’ rule unless specified by company policy, but employees who do work receive 130% of their regular pay. Both generally mean closures for many establishments.

Where can I get a printable February 2026 calendar with Philippine holidays?

While many sites offer downloadable calendars, this guide provides all the necessary information, including a detailed calendar and holiday table. You can easily print this page or copy the tables directly to integrate into your preferred planning tools, ensuring you have both the dates and the essential context.

Are there any other important observances in February 2026 in the Philippines not listed as holidays?

Aside from the Start of Ramadan, February 14th is Valentine’s Day, which is widely celebrated but not a public holiday. Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lent for Christians, also falls in mid-February in 2026 (February 18th), but it is a religious observance and not a non-working day.