CHED: November 17, 20 are 'school holidays' in Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has declared November 17 and 20 as "school holidays" in Metro Manila due to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting.

Leonida Calagui, CHED National Capital Region director, made the declaration in a memorandum to the presidents and heads of public and private colleges and universities in Metro Manila on September 18.

The memorandum stated that all higher education institutions in Metro Manila are encouraged to give their students alternative activities and assignments to keep them off campus and roads on November 17 and 19.

CHED made the pronouncement to avoid traffic infractions or road alterations and to help in the security of the 21 heads of state expected to attend the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting to be hosted by Manila on November 18 and 19.

The Palace earlier declared the said days as special non-working days in Metro Manila.

The Department of Education also suspended Metro Manila classes on November 17 and 20.