Politics · Philippines Bureau
Palace suspends classes, government work across 15 Luzon provinces
The Philippine government has ordered the suspension of in-person classes and office work across 15 provinces in Luzon for Tuesday, September 1, citing risks from enhanced monsoon rains. The precautionary measure affects all education levels and government operations in the affected areas.
LSN Philippines ·
Malacañang announced the suspension through Memorandum Circular No. 133, issued Monday by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on the authority of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The directive covers all schools and government offices across the 15 Luzon provinces expected to experience continued heavy rainfall from the enhanced southwest monsoon, locally known as the habagat.
The suspension takes effect Tuesday and applies to all levels of educational institutions, from basic education through higher learning facilities. Government employees in the affected provinces are similarly instructed to cease in-person operations, though essential services are expected to maintain skeleton staffing as needed.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has attributed the intensified rainfall to the enhanced southwest monsoon system affecting the region. The precautionary closure aims to protect students, workers, and the general public from hazards associated with heavy downpours, including flooding and landslides that commonly occur during such weather conditions.
The specific 15 provinces covered by the suspension order were detailed in the memorandum distributed to education and government offices nationwide. Regional officials have been instructed to communicate the directive to all relevant institutions and departments under their jurisdiction.