MALACAÑANG has officially declared April 28, Friday, a special non-working holiday in Metro Manila, due to the 30th Association Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), which is hosted by the Philippines.
Proclamation 197 was signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on Tuesday.
The Palace, in Memorandum Circular (MC) 18, announced last week the suspension of office work in government and private sectors on Friday.
The Asean 2017 National Organizing Council Committee-Office of the Director-General for Operations and the Metro Manila Development Authority initially recommended the suspension of work for the government and private sectors in Metro Manila on April 28.
But Palace decided to declare a special non-working holiday since "activities directly connected with the 30th Asean summit, to be attended by various world leaders, will be held in Metro Manila on 26 to 30 April 2017," said Medialdea.
Under MC 18 dated April 21, classes in public and private educations institutions at all levels in Manila have also been suspended.
The memorandum also suspended government work at the Philippine International Center Complex from April 24 to 30. On the other hand, suspension of office work at Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex in Pasay City started on April 24 to 30.
Government work in cities of Pasay, Makati and Manila is suspended on April 27, while suspension of classes will be "left to the discretion of their respective heads."
The Asean Summit and Related Meetings will be held in select areas in Manila on April 26 to 29. (SunStar Philippines)