Malacañang has ordered the suspension of classes in Metro Manila and 35 provinces for Thursday (July 24) amid continuing heavy rains as tropical storms “Emong” and “Dante” *continue* to enhance the southwest monsoon.

Signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, Memorandum Circular 91 provided that non-vital government employees are not required to physically report to work, but heads of agencies may decide to utilize their services under alternative work arrangements.

*Bersamin said the prolonged* class suspensions were based on recommendations of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Aside from the National Capital Region, class suspension and alternate work arrangements will be observed in the six provinces of the Cordillera Administrative Region, including Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province.

The MC 91 also covers four provinces in the Ilocos Region, namely Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan—as well as two provinces in the Cagayan Valley Region: Cagayan and Nueva Vizcaya.

Also included in the directive are the Central Luzon provinces, including Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales, as well as the provinces of Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, and Rizal.

In MIMAROPA region, the provinces of Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, and Romblon are listed, along with Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon in the Bicol Region, and Antique and Iloilo in Western Visayas.

“Agencies in the aforementioned areas which are responsible for basic, vital, and health services, preparedness and response duties must continue to remain operational to ensure continuity of essential government functions,” Bersamin said.

Local chief executives in other areas or regions were given discretion to cancel or suspend work or classes if needed.

Earlier, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said “Emong,” which is hovering near Ilocos region, and Tropical Storm “Dante,” further away to the northeast, are enhancing the southwest monsoon.

The two storms are bringing more rains over most of Luzon and parts of the Visayas.

Inclement weather prompted the suspension of government work and classes from Monday afternoon until Wednesday. | PND