THE Iloilo City Government announced the suspension of work in government offices and classes at all levels on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in compliance with Memorandum Circular 90 issued by the Office of the President.
The suspension follows the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) due to continuous heavy rainfall caused by the Southwest Monsoon.
Despite the suspension, frontliners and emergency response teams will remain on high alert.
“Bisan pa man nga suspendido ang trabaho kag klase, padayon nga naka-alerto ang aton mga frontliners kag emergency response teams para magresponde sa anuman nga emerhensya kag siguruhon nga padayon nga serbisyo para sa aton mga pumuluyo,” Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas said.
(Despite the suspension of work and classes, our frontliners and emergency response teams remain alert to respond to any emergency and ensure continuous service for our residents.)
The mayor also urged the public to stay safe and keep track of official weather updates.
“Ginapangabay naton ang tanan nga maghalong kag magmonitor sang weather updates. Kun may kinahanglanon nga bulig, gilayon magpakig-angut sa inyo barangay officials ukon sa City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office,” she added. “Padayon kita nga magbinuligay.”
(We urge everyone to take precautions and monitor weather updates. If you need assistance, immediately contact your barangay officials or the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. Let's continue to work together.)
Memorandum Circular 90 covers government offices and all levels of education in multiple provinces and cities affected by the inclement weather. The suspension for private offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads.
The suspension was made upon the recommendation of the NDRRMC.
The affected areas include Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Zambales, Tarlac, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Quezon, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Masbate, Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Palawan, Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Laguna and Negros Occidental.
“Work in government offices and classes at all levels... are hereby suspended on July 23, 2025,” the circular stated.
However, agencies responsible for essential services, such as health, safety, and emergency response, must continue operations.
“Agencies responsible for basic, vital and health services, preparedness and response duties must continue to remain operational to ensure continuity of essential government functions despite the declaration of work suspension,” it read.
Non-vital government personnel may work under alternate work arrangements, subject to existing laws and regulations.
Local government units in other regions not covered by the memorandum may still suspend work or classes at their discretion. Private companies are also given leeway to decide on their own work suspensions.
The circular was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on behalf of the President on July 22. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)