PALACE SUSPENDS GOV’T WORK, CLASSES IN METRO MANILA, 29 PROVINCES ON SEPT. 22 DUE TO ‘NANDO,’ HABAGAT

WORK  in government offices and classes at all levels in Metro Manila and 29 provinces are suspended on Monday, September 22, upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) due to the forecasted heavy rainfall to be brought about by Super Typhoon “Nando” and the southwest monsoon or Habagat.

Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin issued Memorandum Circular No. 97 on Sunday night ordering the suspension.

The suspension of government work and classes 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.

“However, agencies responsible for basic, vital, and health services, preparedness, and response duties must continue to remain operational to ensure continuity of essential government functions,” Bersamin ordered.

“Non-vital government employees of subject agencies and all other government employees may be engaged under approved alternate work arrangements, subject to applicable laws, rules, and regulations,” he added.

According to MC No. 97, the localized cancellation or suspension of classes and/or work in government offices in other regions may be implemented by their respective local chief executives, pursuant to relevant laws, rules, and regulations.

“The suspension of work in private companies and offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads,” Bersamin also said.

Super Typhoon “Nando” intensified slightly while moving towards extreme northern Luzon on Sunday night, according to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).