Malacañang on Thursday evening ordered the suspension of classes at all levels and government work in Metro Manila and several other provinces on Friday, September 26, as Severe Tropical Storm Opong continues to intensify and batter parts of Luzon and the Visayas.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin issued Memorandum Circular No. 102, implementing the suspensions upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). The council earlier warned of heavy rains, flooding, and strong winds as the storm moves closer to the country’s landmass.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Opong is expected to pass near or make landfall over Northern Samar early Friday morning before traversing the Bicol Region later in the day. Residents in low-lying and coastal communities were advised to take precautions against possible floods, storm surges, and landslides.
Areas Covered by Work and Class Suspensions
The suspension of work in government offices and classes at all levels will be enforced in the following areas:
- National Capital Region (Metro Manila)
- Region V (Bicol Region): Masbate, Sorsogon
- Region VIII (Eastern Visayas): Biliran, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Western Samar
- Region IV-B (MIMAROPA): Romblon
Meanwhile, classes at all levels are suspended in:
- Region IV-A (Calabarzon): Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, Rizal
- Region IV-B (MIMAROPA): Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro
- Region V (Bicol Region): Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes
- Region VI (Western Visayas): Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros Occidental
- Region VIII (Eastern Visayas): Leyte
Malacañang clarified that agencies performing vital functions such as disaster response, healthcare, and essential public services must continue operations to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of aid and emergency support. Non-essential employees, however, may adopt alternative work arrangements, subject to existing rules and regulations.
The Palace also emphasized that the suspension of work in the private sector will be left to the discretion of employers. Local governments outside the covered areas were likewise given authority to declare localized suspensions depending on prevailing weather conditions in their jurisdictions.
PAGASA continues to monitor Opong closely, with the weather bureau warning that widespread rains may persist throughout the weekend, raising the risk of flooding in both Luzon and Visayas.