Manila: Malaca±ang has announced the suspension of classes across all levels in both public and private institutions, alongside a halt in government office operations within the National Capital Region (NCR) and 14 provinces, effective Tuesday, attributed to inclement weather conditions.
According to Philippines News Agency, the areas affected by this suspension include Metro Manila, Aurora, Quezon, Rizal, Laguna, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, and Southern Leyte. The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) advised the public to remain vigilant, avoid hazardous areas, and stay updated with official government advisories due to anticipated heavy rains and potential flooding, as forecasted by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
In Memorandum Circular No. 94, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin emphasized that agencies engaged in delivering basic and health services, as well as those involved in disaster response, should maintain operations to provide necessary services. Localized cancellations or suspensions of classes and government work in other areas may still be enacted by local chief executives. The decision regarding work suspension for private companies remains at the discretion of their respective heads.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), authorized to announce on behalf of the Cabinet and the Palace, shared a similar advisory on Facebook. DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla posted, “No joke! No joke talaga (really)! Keep safe everyone,” underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
The Senate also aligned with Malaca±ang’s order, announcing the suspension of work on Tuesday. Only essential personnel are required to report to prepare for the Commission on Appointments’ meeting. All other officials and employees are exempt from reporting.
PAGASA, in its 4 p.m. advisory, reported that a low-pressure area (LPA) was located 290 kilometers northeast of Maasin City, Southern Leyte, as of 3 p.m. Although the LPA has a minimal chance of evolving into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours, it is expected to cause heavy rains in the affected provinces on Tuesday.
