Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the suspension of work in government offices and classes at all levels in the National Capital Region (NCR) and 21 provinces due to continuous heavy rains from Tropical Storm Maymay and the southwest monsoon (habagat). According to Philippines News Agency, the suspension is outlined in Memorandum Circular No. 122, signed by Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto under the President's authority. The affected areas include Metro Manila and the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, Zambales, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) recommended the suspension due to the sustained heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Maymay and the intensified habagat. Government agencies responsible for basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response, and other essential services have been instructed to maintain their operations. The circular also permits local chief executives to enforce localized suspensions of classes and government work in other regions, adhering to existing laws and regulations. However, the decision to suspend work in private companies and offices will be at the discretion of their respective employers.