Malacañang on Tuesday ordered the suspension of work in government offices and classes at all levels in Metro Manila and 36 other areas on July 23 due to continued heavy rainfall caused by the southwest monsoon (habagat).

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed to Palace reporters the issuance of Memorandum Circular (MC) 90, suspending government and classes in some parts of the country.

Apart from Metro Manila, other areas covered by MC 90 include Pangasinan, Zambales, Tarlac, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Quezon, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Masbate, Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Palawan, Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Laguna and Negros Occidental.

The suspension was made upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

“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 despite the declaration of work suspension,” MC 90 read.

According to MC 90, 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.

MC 90 authorizes local chief executives to announce localized cancellation or suspension of classes and work in government offices in their respective constituents in other regions not covered by the order.

The suspension of work for private companies and offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered a unified response from government agencies to help Filipinos affected by the massive flooding brought about by the enhanced southwest monsoon. (PNA)