President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has suspended classes in all levels and work in government agencies in Metro Manila and in some parts of Luzon on Tuesday, August 23, and Wednesday due to tropical storm Florita (international name: Ma-on).
In a statement, the Office of the Press Secretary said class and work suspension will be in place in Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Bulacan, Zambales, and Bataan.
However, the suspension excludes frontline agencies that are providing emergency services.
The Office of the President said the suspension of classes and work in private schools and offices will be left to the discretion of their respective heads.
“In the private sector, it will be based on the discretion of employers but the recommendation is to also suspend classes and work,” said Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council earlier recommended the suspension of classes to prevent untoward incidents and ensure the safety of the general public.
Citing the Office of Civil Defense, the presidential palace said heavy rains pose possible risks to the general public.
Tropical storm Florita made landfall over Maconacon, Isabela, at 10:30 am. Tuesday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
The weather disturbance will continue moving generally northwestward and is forecast to traverse the northern portion of Isabela and mainland Cagayan.
Afterwards, Florita will emerge over the Babuyan Channel tonight.
On the forecast track, the tropical storm may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday morning.
Authorities earlier urged persons living in areas identified as highly susceptible to hazards to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials.
