Marcos orders suspension of gov’t work starting 3 p.m. on Sept. 23

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared the suspension of government work starting 3 p.m. on September 23, in observance of “Family Week” (last week of September) and the “Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga” Day (fourth Monday of every September).

Marcos made the declaration through Memorandum Circular No. 64, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on September 12.

“Pursuant to Proclamation No. 60 (s. 1992) which declared the last week of September of every year as Family Week and Proclamation No. 326 (s. 2012) which declared the fourth Monday of September of every year as “Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga” Day, work in government offices in the Executive branch shall be suspended on 23 September 2024 starting 3:00 p.m,” the memorandum read.

However, agencies involving the delivery of basic and health services, response to disasters and calamities, and other essential services are excluded from the suspension.

“This Office also encourages all government workers in the Executive branch to fully support the programs and activities relative to the observance of Family Week, as organized by the National Committee on the Filipino Family,” the order read.

“The suspension of work in other branches of government, independent commissions or bodies, and the private sector is also encouraged, so as to afford Filipino families the full opportunity to celebrate the 32d National Family Week,” it added.