By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang

Koror, Palau — President Surangel Whipps Jr. declared November 5, Palau’s national Election Day, as a legal holiday through Executive Order No. 313, signed on October 17. The holiday, named the “National Day of Democracy,” will provide a paid day off for government employees, while essential services such as public safety and healthcare will remain operational.

In addition to this announcement, the executive order stated that “Family Day” will be observed on Friday, November 22, this year. Traditionally, Family Day has been held on the Friday following Thanksgiving, but the date change is due to Republic of Palau Public Law (RPPL) 10-15, signed on November 8, 2017, which mandates that Family Day be observed on the fourth Friday of November. This year, that falls on November 22, while Thanksgiving falls on November 28.

During a public interview, President Whipps also suggested a broader review of Palau’s official holidays. He proposed reconsidering the celebration of United Nations Day, noting that Palau is no longer part of the Trust Territory. “As an independent nation, we celebrate our Independence Day on October 1,” Whipps said.

Palau is one of only five countries worldwide that observes UN Day as a national holiday.

Whipps further indicated he is exploring the re-establishment of Veterans Day in Palau, stating, “There are thousands of Palauans who have served, and we should honor their service.”