MANILA – Malacañang announced on Wednesday the suspension of classes in public schools and work in government agencies across Metro Manila due to the effects of the southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat.”
According to a Facebook post by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the suspension took effect at 7 a.m. Wednesday. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin also confirmed the suspension via a text message.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) recommended the suspension of classes and work due to the southwest monsoon, which is expected to bring occasional rains with the potential for flash floods in Metro Manila.
“The recommended suspension will prevent any untoward incidents and will ensure the safety of the general public,” the NDRRMC stated.
Based on the NDRRMC’s recommendation, the suspension of work for private companies and offices is at the discretion of their respective heads.
Meanwhile, local government units in Caloocan, Las Piñas, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Manila,Marikina, Muntinlupa City, Navotas, Parañaque City, Pasay, Pasig, Pateros, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, and Valenzuela City announced the suspension of classes through 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,” thea Manila Public Information Office (PIO) announced in a social media post.
The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila also canceled all graduation-related activities scheduled for Wednesday. A new schedule for these activities will be announced later.
The PIO further reported that 16 areas in the city were flooded as of 5 a.m., following heavy rainfall since Tuesday night.
Floodwaters reached gutter level on Adriatico Street, Padre Faura, streets near the LRT Quirino Station, P. Ocampo to Roxas Streets, portions of Taft Avenue and España Street, as well as Lacson and Dela Fuente Streets.
In Marikina City, in-person classes were similarly called off, but asynchronous classes will proceed.
“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 (Face-to-face classes are suspended,reverting to asynchronous in all levels, both public and private schools following the yellow warning issued by PAGASA in the NCR),” the Marikina PIO said.
As of 8 a.m., PAGASA issued a yellow rainfall warning for Metro Manila as well as the provinces of Zambales and Bataan. These areas are expected to experience 7.5 mm to 15 mm of rainfall within one hour, which is anticipated to continue for the next two hours.