Malacañang has suspended government work and classes at all levels in Metro Manila and 29 provinces on Monday, September 22, due to the threat of heavy rainfall from super typhoon “Nando” and the intensifying southwest monsoon.
Executive secretary Lucas Bersamin signed Memorandum Circular No. 97 suspension order issued Sunday night upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
The government work and classes suspension order covers Metro Manila, Abra, Antique, Apayao, Bataan, Batanes, Batangas, Benguet, Bulacan, Cagayan, Cavite, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Isabela, Kalinga, La Union, Laguna, Mountain Province, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Palawan, Romblon, Rizal, Tarlac and Zambales.
The circular mandates that agencies responsible for “basic, vital, and health services, preparedness, and response duties” must remain operational.
Non-essential government employees may be placed under alternate work arrangements.
The suspension of work in private companies is left to the discretion of their management.
Local government units in other regions not covered by the order are authorized to cancel classes and work based on their local conditions.
According to PAGASA, Super Typhoon “Nando” slightly intensified Sunday night as it moved toward extreme northern Luzon, prompting the preemptive suspension to ensure public safety. — Marlon Magtira
