WORK in government offices in the executive branch and classes in state-run educational institutions are suspended on January 2, 2019, Malacañang announced Monday, December 17.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, by authority of President Rodrigo Duterte, signed Memorandum Circular (MC) 54 on Monday, declaring the suspension "in order to give the employees of the government full opportunity to celebrate such holiday with their families and loved ones."

The suspension of work covers all government offices under the executive branch, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, government financial institutions, state universities and colleges, local government units, and other agencies and instrumentalities.

MC 54, however, directed government agencies involved in the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness or response to disasters and calamities, and performance of other vital services to "continue with their operations and render the necessary services."

The suspension of work on January 2, 2019 in other branches of government, independent commissions, and private companies is left to the discretion of their respective heads, the memorandum said.

Government employees will experience a longer holiday vacation since Duterte, through Proclamation 555 inked in August, declared four days in the last two weeks of December and January 1, 2019 as holidays.

Under Proclamation 555, December 25 (Wednesday), 30 (Monday) and January 1 (Tuesday), 2019 were declared regular holidays, while December 24 (Tuesday) and 31 (Tuesday) were announced as special non-working days.

In November, the Department of Education also announced a longer Christmas break for elementary and high school student, which began on December 15 this year and will end on January 2 next year. (SunStar Philippines)