MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared Monday, June 24, 2024, a special non-working day in Manila City in celebration of its 453rd founding anniversary.

The holiday declaration was made through Proclamation 599 signed on June 19 by the President, through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

"It is but fitting and proper that the people of Manila be given full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration," the President said in his proclamation.

The city, which occupies an area of 38.55 square kilometers, is bound to the west by Manila Bay.

It is part of the Metro Manila or National Capital Region composed of 16 cities and one municipality.

The city is divided into 897 barangay or villages. Each barangay has its own chairman and seven councilors.

For administrative convenience, all villages in Manila are grouped into 100 zones and are further grouped into 16 administrative districts.

Originally Maynilad, the city's name is derived from the nilad plant, a flowering shrub that once grew abundantly along the banks of the river.

The name was later shortened to Maynila and eventually to its present form.