Malacañang has suspended classes and work in public schools and government offices in Metro Manila and nearby provinces from Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 23, to Wednesday, Aug. 24, due to severe tropical storm Florita.
The suspension covers all levels in public schools and government offices in the National Capital Region (NCR), Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Bulacan, Zambales, and Bataan.
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. ordered the suspension following the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to halt classes and work in these areas starting 1 p.m. Tuesday.
JUST IN: President Marcos has declared a suspension of work and classes in all levels in public schools and all gov't offices today, Aug. 23, until tomorrow, Aug. 24, due to severe tropical storm Florita. @manilabulletin
— Betheena Unite (@MB_unite) August 23, 2022
"The heavy rains pose possible risks to the general public based on the recommendations of the Office of Civil Defense," Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said.
Angeles added that the same course of action for private schools and offices is "left to the discretion of their respective heads" but it is "recommended" to follow suit.
"Sa pribadong sektor, base yun sa diskresyon ng employers, pero rekomendado na isususpinde na rin (In the private sector, it is based on the discretion of the employers, but we are also recommending to issue suspension)," the Press Secretary said.
The NDRRMC recommendation, however, excluded frontline agencies providing emergency services from the suspension.
"Florita" is currently pouncing Central and Northern Luzon, making landfall over Isabela Tuesday morning.