Malacañang on Monday ordered the suspension of work in government offices and classes at all levels in Metro Manila and several Luzon provinces on July 22, due to continuous heavy rainfall brought about by the Southwest Monsoon.

Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin issued Memorandum Circular No. 89, following the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), to ensure public safety amid persistent downpours and potential flooding.

The suspension covers Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, and Occidental Mindoro.

However, the circular clarified that government agencies involved in delivering basic, vital, and health services—as well as those directly engaged in disaster preparedness and response—shall continue their operations to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential public services.

The circular added that non-vital personnel from these agencies may be placed under approved alternate work arrangements, as deemed necessary.

Meanwhile, local government units (LGUs) outside the listed areas are given discretion to declare localized suspensions of work and classes based on their respective assessments and the authority granted to them under existing laws and regulations.

As for the private sector, the Palace left the decision to suspend work to the discretion of the heads of private companies and offices.

On Monday, the Palace suspended work in government offices and classes at all levels in Metro Manila and eight nearby provinces, starting at 1 p.m., due to continued heavy rainfall brought about by the Southwest Monsoon. | PND