February 8, 2024, Thursday, is NOT a nationwide holiday in the Philippines. 

It is a holiday exclusive to select Muslim areas in the country in observance of “Israh Wal Mi'raj”; and in Tiaong, Quezon to commemorate the birth anniversary of former senator Claro M. Recto, as declared by Malacañang.

The Muslim Holiday on February 8, according to the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), shall ONLY be officially observed in the following provinces and cities:

• Basilan
  
• Lanao del Norte
  
• Lanao del Sur
  
• Maguindanao
  
• North Cotabato
  
• Sultan Kudarat
  
• Sulu
  
• Tawi-Tawi
  
• Zamboanga del Sur
  
• Zamboanga del Norte
  
• Cotabato
  
• Iligan
  
• Marawi
  
• Pagadian
  
• Zamboanga

“Israh Wal Mi'raj” literally translates to “The Night of Ascent.” It was when Prophet Muhammad was first given the five prescribed daily prayers.

On the other hand, the Tiaong, Quezon proclamation honors the legacy of Recto, a key figure in Philippine history who served as Supreme Court Justice, Senator and authored the Rizal Law, an Act to include in the curricula of all public and private schools, colleges and universities courses on the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, authorizing their printing and distribution, and for other purposes. 

The non-working day applies exclusively to the selected areas and not nationwide. Citizens, however, are encouraged to join commemorations for the events.

Meanwhile, the nationwide regular holidays for 2024 are: 

• New Year's Day (January 1, Monday)
  
• Maundy Thursday (March 28)
  
• Good Friday (March 29)
  
• Araw ng Kagitingan (April 9, Tuesday)
  
• Labor Day (May 1, Wednesday)
  
• Independence Day (June 12, Wednesday)
  
• National Heroes Day (August 26, Monday)
  
• Bonifacio Day (November 30, Saturday)
  
• Christmas Day (December 25, Wednesday) and 
  
• Rizal Day (December 30, Monday)

Also, the special non-working days are: 

• Ninoy Aquino Day (August 21, Wednesday)
  
• All Saints Day (November 1, Friday)
  
• Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8, Sunday)
  
• Last Day of the Year (December 31, Tuesday)

Moreover, additional special non-working days are:

• Chinese New Year (February 9, Friday) due to Proclamation No. 453  
  
• Black Saturday (March 30)
  
• All Souls Day (November 2, Saturday)
  
• Christmas Eve (December 24, Tuesday)

Hope this clarifies February 8 is only a holiday in select areas and not the entire Philippines. However, the long weekend, from February 9 to 11, remains with Chinese New Year as a special non-working day. (JCO/PIA-NCR)