THE Malacañang has declared the suspension of classes and work in government offices in 30 provinces in Luzon and Visayas on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, due to the continuous onslaught of habagat (southwest monsoon).
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin issued Memorandum Circular 90 for the suspension of classes in all levels in both public and private schools and work in government offices in these areas: 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.
However, agencies responsible for basic, vital and health services, preparedness and response duties must continue to remain operational to ensure continuity of essential government functions, while non-vital government employees of subject agencies and all other government employees may be engaged under approved alternate work arrangements, subject to applicable laws, rules and regulations.
“Further thereto, the localized cancellation or suspension of classes and/or work in government offices in other regions may be implemented by their respective local chief executives, pursuant to relevant laws, rules and regulations,” the memo read.
“The suspension of work for private companies and offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads,” it added.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development earlier said that over 500,000 families across the country were affected by the effects of habagat, which caused massive flooding in various communities. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)