By Genalyn Kabiling In the interest of public safety, Malacañang has suspended classes and government work on Monday in Metro Manila and nearby provinces affected by the increased volcanic activity of Taal Volcano. The class and work suspension announced by the Office of the Executive Secretary was made upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). “As recommended by the NDRRMC and to ensure safety, the Executive Secretary, by Authority of the President, has directed the suspension of classes in all levels and work in government in the affected areas of Calabarzon, NCR (National a Capital Region) and Region 3,” the Palace said in a statement. Exempted from the work suspension are frontline government agencies involved in disaster response, delivery of basic and health service, and/or other vital services, according to Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea. The Office of the President also “highly encouraged” the private sector to suspend work for the safety of their employees, according to presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo. Panelo also appealed for public vigilance and cooperation in view of the latest volcanic activity. “The Palace advises those near the crater and directly affected by the phreatic activity to cooperate with government response teams, and asks the rest of the public to stay safe by remaining vigilant and updated by monitoring official advisories and notices of pertinent agencies of the government,” he said. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has raised Alert Level 4 over Taal Volcano, warning about the possible hazardous explosive eruption. Residents within the 14-kilometer radius of the volcano have been advised to evacuate due to the “high risk to pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami.” The volcano, located in Batangas, earlier spewed ash column, prompting authorities to raise the alert level. The ash has reportedly been falling on areas as far as Quezon City.