MALACAÑANG suspended work in the executive bRanch and classes at all levels in public schools in Metro Manila beginning 1 p.m., Tuesday, July 17, due to incessant monsoon rains even as tropical depression Henry moves away.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea signed Memorandum Circular (MC) 47, declaring the suspension.
"Upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and in view of the continuing inclement weather brought about by Typhoon Henry, work in government offices and classes in public schools at all levels in Metro Manila are hereby suspended effective 1:00 p.m. today, 17 July 2018," Medialdea said in MC 47.
"However, those agencies whose functions involve the delviery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services shall continue with their operations and render their necessary services," he added.
Medialdea said the suspension of work for private companies, offices and schools is left to the discretion of their respective heads.
Henry, spotted 415 kilometers west of Calayan, Cagayan, has intensified into a tropical storm and is about to exit the country, according to the 11 a.m. weather bulletin of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) .
The southwest monsoon, or habagat, enhanced by Henry will continue to bring monsoon rains over Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, Mindoro provinces, Palawan, and Western Visayas.
The southwest monsoon will also bring scattered rains and thunderstorms over the rest of the country.
Residents of low-lying and mountainous areas are advised to be cautious about possible flooding and landslides, Pagasa said.
Sea travel remains risky over the western seaboard of Southern Luzon. (Ruth Abbey Gita/SunStar Philippines)