By DALCY LULUA
THE Secretary for the Department of Personnel Management (DPM), Taies Sansan, has issued a circular directing all public servants throughout Papua New Guinea to observe National Remembrance Day on Thursday, July 23, 2026, as a public holiday.
In Circular Instruction No. 14 of 2026, dated May 21, 2026, Ms Sansan informed all departmental heads, provincial administrators, heads of public authorities and public servants that the day has been officially declared a National Remembrance Day.
According to the circular, the declaration was confirmed by the National Executive Council (NEC) through statutory instruments signed by the Governor-General and the NEC Chairman. It also cites National Gazette No. G832 of August 21, 2025, declaring the day a public holiday.
Ms Sansan instructed all public servants to observe the public holiday and resume normal duties at 7:45 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026.
National Remembrance Day is observed to honour Papua New Guineans who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation, including members of the country’s defence forces and others who lost their lives in the line of duty.
In concluding the circular, Mr Sansan wished all public servants a safe and meaningful National Remembrance Day.