By Ferdinand Patinio and Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
Malacañang announced Wednesday the suspension of classes in public schools and work in government agencies within Metro Manila due to the effects of the southwest monsoon or “habagat”.
Government work and classes are suspended effective 7 a.m. Wednesday, according to a Facebook post by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
The suspension was confirmed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin in a text message.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) recommended the cancellation of classes and work due to the southwest monsoon that is expected to bring occasional rains with possible flash floods in Metro Manila.
“The recommended suspension will prevent any untoward incidents and will ensure the safety of the general public,” the NDRRMC said.
Based on the NDRRMC’s recommendation, the suspension of work for private companies and offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads.
Meanwhile, the local government units of Caloocan, Las Piñas, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa City, Navotas, Parañaque City, Pasay, Pasig, Pateros, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, Valenzuela City have announced suspension of classes in their respective social media accounts.
In the City of Manila, both in-person and online classes were canceled.
“Suspended. All class levels public and private schools face-to-face and online classes,” the Manila Public Information Office (PIO) said in a social media post.
The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila canceled all graduation-related activities set for Wednesday. A new schedule for these activities will be announced.
The PIO also reported that 16 areas in the city were flooded as of 5 a.m., following heavy downpour since Tuesday night.
Floods are gutter-deep in Adriatico Street, Padre Faura, streets near the LRT Quirino Station, P. Ocampo to Roxas Streets, portions of Taft Avenue and España Street, and in Lacson and Dela Fuente Streets.
In Marikina City, in-person classes are likewise called off but asynchronous classes will be held.
“Suspendido ang face-to-face classes at reverting to asynchronous classes sa LAHAT NG ANTAS, PAMPUBLIKO O PRIBADONG PAARALAN bunsod ng YELLOW WARNING na inisyu ng PAGASA sa NCR,” the Marikina PIO said.
By 8 a.m., PAGASA had issued a yellow rainfall warning for Metro Manila and the provinces of Zambales and Bataan.
These areas are expected to experience 7.5 mm to 15 mm of rainfall within one hour, with the downpour persisting for the next two hours.
