Palace suspends gov’t work, classes in Manila, Pasay on Oct 14-15

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Work in government offices and classes at all levels in the cities of Manila and Pasay were ordered suspended on October 14 and 15, in time for the opening of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR), Malacañang said on Thursday.

This was announced through a memorandum from the Office of the President dated October 10, and signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

READ: APMCDRR 2024: Harnessing AI, space tech for disaster resilience

“In view of the numerous participants expected to travel to and within the Cities of Manila and Pasay on 14 and 15 October 2024 for the opening of APMCDRR in PICC, and to allow for the organized conduct of the APMCDRR, work in government offices and classes at all levels in the Cities of Manila and Pasay shall be suspended on 14 and 15 October 2024,” the letter read.

“However, those agencies whose functions involve the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services shall continue their operations and render the necessary services,” it also said.

Meanwhile, the suspension of work for private companies and offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads.

The Philippines, in partnership with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, is set to host the 10th Session of the APMCDRR on 14 to 18 October 2024 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila.