Manila: Malaca±ang has announced the suspension of classes across all levels in Metro Manila and 37 provinces as a result of the southwest monsoon, intensified by Tropical Storms Dante and Emong. This decision was formalized through Memorandum Circular No. 91, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

According to Philippines News Agency, the suspension aims to prioritize safety amid adverse weather conditions affecting the region. The affected areas include Zambales, Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Benguet, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bataan, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Rizal, Quezon, Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Palawan, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Cagayan, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Antique, and Iloilo.

The memorandum stipulates that government agencies responsible for basic, health, and disaster response services in the affected areas must remain operational to maintain essential services. Non-essential government personnel are permitted to work from home or adopt alternate working arrangements, as determined by their agency heads.

Local government units in areas not included in the suspension list have the authority to declare their own suspensions based on local conditions. The decision regarding operations in private offices is left to the discretion of their management.