Palace suspends gov’t work and classes today, tomorrow due to ‘Ulysses’

Bad weather caused by typhoon Ulysses has prompted Malacañang to suspend government work and classes in public schools in Metro Manila and six other regions today until Thursday.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea has issued Memorandum Circular No. 82 on the work and class suspension following the recommendation from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

"In view of the continuing inclement weather brought about by Typhoon 'Ulysses,' work in government offices and classes in public schools at all levels in Regions II, III, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, V, Cordillera Administrative Region, and National Capital Region are hereby suspended effective 3 PM today, 11 November 2020 (Wednesday) until 12 November 2020 (Thursday)," the memorandum read.

Exempted from the work suspension are those agencies involved in the delivery of basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response, and performance of other vital services. Medialdea said these concerned agencies must continue with their operations and render the necessary services.

The Palace has left it to the discretion of the respective heads of private companies, offices, and schools to decide on work and class suspension.

The circular, signed by Medialdea on November 11, took effect immediately.

The latest presidential directive was issued as tropical storm Ulysses intensified into a typhoon as it moved closer to Central Luzon. As of 11 a.m. Wednesday, state weather authorities monitored the storm somewhere 100 kilometers north of Virac, Catanduanes. Storm alerts have been raised in several provinces amid the imminent impact of the typhoon.