Malaca±ang: The suspension of work in government offices and classes at all levels in both public and private schools in Metro Manila and 16 provinces will commence at 1 p.m. on Friday, as announced by Malaca±ang.

According to Philippines News Agency, the suspension order is detailed in Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 132, which was signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto under the President's authority. The decision to cancel activities follows the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), prompted by the anticipated intensification of the southwest monsoon, locally known as "habagat," due to a low-pressure area entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

The areas covered by MC No. 132 include Metro Manila, Abra, Benguet, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Batangas, Cavite, Rizal, Oriental Mindoro, and Occidental Mindoro. Despite the suspension, government agencies responsible for delivering essential services such as health, disaster preparedness, and response will remain operational.

Local chief executives hold the discretion to also suspend classes and/or work in government offices within their jurisdictions. For the private sector, decisions regarding work suspension or the adoption of alternative work arrangements will be determined by individual management. The memorandum's directives are effective immediately.