Manila: There is no recommendation from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) to suspend classes and work in government offices across Luzon, despite the threat posed by Severe Tropical Storm Nika, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced on Monday. PCO Acting Secretary Cesar Chavez conveyed this information to Palace reporters, following a statement from OCD administrator Ariel Nepomuceno. According to Philippines News Agency, Nepomuceno emphasized that the decision to suspend classes and work now rests with local chief executives from the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and the Cordillera Administrative Region. Local officials have the authority to declare suspensions based on the wind signals in their respective areas and the adverse impacts of the ongoing rains anticipated for tomorrow, November 12. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that Nika, which has weakened to a severe tropical storm, is currently situated ove r the coastal waters of Ilocos Norte. The storm is expected to continue its west northwestward trajectory over the West Philippine Sea and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Tuesday morning. PAGASA has issued Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 3 for several areas including the southern portion of Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, the northern portion of Benguet, the southern portion of Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur. TCWS No. 2 has been hoisted over the southwestern portion of Cagayan, the eastern portion of Isabela, the northern portion of Quirino, the northern portion of Nueva Vizcaya, La Union, and other adjacent regions. Additionally, TCWS No. 1 is in effect for Pangasinan, the remaining parts of Cagayan and Isabela, the rest of Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Tarlac, the northern and central portions of Zambales, Nueva Ecija, and Aurora. PAGASA warns of moderate to significant impacts from storm-force winds in areas under TCWS No. 3, while minor to moderate effects from gale-force winds are expected in regions under TCWS No. 2.