Palace suspends government work, classes

MANILA, Philippines, November 10 ------ Malacañang suspended work in government offices today and canceled classes in several regions until tomorrow due to the expected severe impact of Super Typhoon Uwan. The super typhoon started battering the country’s northeastern coast ahead of landfall yesterday. The Philippines is still reeling from the devastation from Typhoon Tino, which left over 220 people dead in the Visayas and other parts of the country.

Under Memorandum Circular No. 106, signed yesterday by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by the authority of President Marcos, government work is suspended today in Metro Manila, Cordillera Administrative Region, and in the regions of Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol and Eastern Visayas. Classes in all levels in these regions, as well as in Regions 6 (Western Visayas), 7 (Central Visayas) and the Negros Island Region are also suspended today and tomorrow based on MC 106.

The cancellation of work in government offices and classes in these areas was upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council “in view of the forecasted major impacts that will be brought about by Super Typhoon Uwan,” the memorandum read. However, government agencies responsible for basic, vital and health services, preparedness and response duties must continue to remain operational, it said. “To further ensure continuity of essential government functions, all other government agencies in the aforementioned regions may implement alternate work arrangements, as may be necessary, subject to applicable laws, rules and regulations,” the order added. “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,” MC 106 stated.

In La Union, forced evacuation has already been implemented in low-lying areas. In Bulacan, Gov. Daniel Fernando suspended classes in all levels, both public and private, as well as government work today and tomorrow, except offices involved in health, emergency, social services and the provision of basic necessities. The suspension of work in private companies and offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads, the Palace order said. Several areas have been placed under wind signal warning as Uwan (Fung-wong), packing winds of 185 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 230 km/h, moved toward the Bicol region yesterday.

House suspends work

At the House of Representatives, work is also suspended today in anticipation of Typhoon Uwan’s onslaught. “In view of the anticipated inclement weather conditions due to Typhoon Uwan, work in the House of Representatives, including the plenary session, is hereby suspended on Monday, November 10,” House secretary-general Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil announced in an advisory. “Offices performing essential functions are expected to ensure the continued delivery of critical services. The House leadership remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the health, safety and well-being of all employees,” she said. “All personnel are advised to take necessary precautions, stay safe and prepare essential supplies during this period,” Garafil added.

Source: philstar.com