MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has ordered the suspension of work in government offices and classes at all levels across the National Capital Region (NCR) and 20 provinces on Thursday, due to continued heavy rains brought by Tropical Storm "Maymay" and southwest monsoon or habagat.
The directive was signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, which was based on the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
The suspension covers NCR along with the provinces of Ilocos Sur, La Union, Benguet, Pangasinan, Abra, Zambales, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Apayao, Nueva Vizcaya, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, and Occidental Mindoro.
Meanwhile, government agencies responsible for delivering basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response, and other vital public operations are directed to continue functioning to provide necessary assistance.
