DILG: Classes, work in gov't offices suspended in Metro Manila, 35 provinces on July 24
By Chito Chavez
(MB FILE PHOTO)
Classes in all levels and work in public offices in Metro Manila and 35 provinces were suspended on July 24 as a new tropical storm, named "Emong" has developed in the northwest part of the country and is currently moving towards the southwest direction, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor ‘Jonvic’ Remulla announced on Wednesday, July 23.
Aside from the National Capital Region, the class and government work suspension was also declared in the provinces ueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Nueva Ecija, Quezon Province, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Marinduque, Sorsogon, Romblon and Masbate.
Other areas are Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Antique, Iloilo, Pangasinan, Benguet, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Batangas, Laguna, Rizal, Cavite, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Kalinga and Apayao.
Remulla’s announcement was based on recommendation of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The provinces of Zambales, Bataan and Occidental Mindoro are expected to be severely affected by heavy rains.
While the suspension of work in government offices is in effect, Remulla stressed that “essential personnel’’ like the responders and emergency service crew need to report when necessary.
The DILG chief warned the public against playing, swimming or having picnics in rivers and ponds as six individuals were killed while on a drinking session near the waterway as the others engaged in a swimming contest against the strong water current.
“Oo, pabiro man ako minsan, pero ang kapangyarihan ng panahon ay hindi biro. Keep safe, everyone (Yes, sometimes I am humorous but the power of the weather is nothing to joke about. Keep safe, everyone),’’ Remulla said.
In a DILG Facebook (FB) post, Remulla told his detractors that if his joke is inappropriate “I didn't insult, belittle, or despise anyone. Neither did I spit or lie’’ when he added humor to his weather advisory on July 23.
“There are so many leeches. I am sorry, but I will not change my attitude,’’ he added.