Malacañang suspends classes and gov’t work

MALACAÑANG suspended classes in all levels and work in government offices within the National Capital Region (NCR) owing to severe rains caused by the southwest monsoon or habagat.

According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the suspension will take effect as early as 7:00 AM on August 28, 2024, as the expected rainfall today may cause flash floods in Metro Manila. 

The National Disasters Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) advised the suspension of work and school.

“We would like to respectfully inform the President that due to the ongoing and the forecasted rainfall today, August 28, 2024 which will bring occasional rains with possible flash floods over Metro Manila caused by the Southwest Monsoon,” said NDRRMC.

“The NDRRMC recommends the suspension of classes and work within the National Capital Region (NCR) effective 7:00 AM, August 28, 2024 (Wednesday).”

Meanwhile, suspensions for private companies, offices, and schools are at the discretion of the respective administrators. The work suspension also excludes frontline agencies that provide emergency services. 

The non stop rain

Metro Manila has been suffering uninterrupted heavy rains since Tuesday night till this morning, producing flooding in various areas of the metro. 

According to PAGASA, the yellow alert level applies to Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Cavite, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, and Antique. 

These areas will have occasional rain, with the possibility of flash floods or landslides throughout the day.

Meanwhile, La Union, Pangasinan, Benguet, Bicol Region, and the rest of the parts of Visayas and Central Luzon, CALABARZON, and MIMAROPA will experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms.

Number coding suspended

In the following post, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has also announced the suspension of the extended number coding scheme in Metro Manila.

“Suspendido na ang pagpapatupad ng  Expanded Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) ngayong araw, AGOSTO 28,” said MMDA on a statement post.

“Kasunod ng anunsiyo ng Malacañang na walang pasok sa government offices at pasok sa lahat ng antas ng pampublikong paaralan sa Metro Manila dahil sa patuloy na pag-ulan na dulot ng Southwest Monsoon.” 

Despite the incessant rain today, weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said Metro Manila residents should anticipate the weather to clear up by Thursday.