MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has ordered the suspension of classes at all levels and government work in Metro Manila and 29 other provinces on Monday, September 22, due to the threat of Super Typhoon Nando and the enhanced southwest monsoon.
In Memorandum Circular No. 97, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the suspension was approved following the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), which warned of heavy rains and strong winds.
The suspension will cover the following areas:
- 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
- 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," Malacañang said.
"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," it added.
Palace said the suspension of work in private companies is left to the discretion of their management. Local governments in other areas may also declare localized suspensions based on weather conditions.
The order takes effect immediately, the Palace said.
As of 7 p.m. Sunday, Super Typhoon Nando slightly intensified while moving west-northwest toward Extreme Northern Luzon. PAGASA raised Signal No. 3 over Batanes, Babuyan Islands and northeastern Cagayan (Santa Ana).
The super typhoon may pass near or make landfall over Batanes or Babuyan Islands by Monday afternoon or evening before exiting the Philippine area of responsibility early Tuesday.