GOVERNMENT work and classes at all levels have been suspended in the National Capital Region (NCR) and numerous provinces on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, due to severe weather conditions.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced the suspension in Memorandum Circular No. 90, citing the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) in response to heavy rainfall caused by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).
The suspension applies to a wide swathe of provinces across Luzon, including Pangasinan, Zambales, Tarlac, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Quezon, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Masbate, Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Palawan, Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Laguna, and Negros Occidental.
Despite the widespread suspension, essential services will continue. Agencies responsible for basic services, healthcare, disaster preparedness, and response will remain operational to ensure the continuity of critical government functions.
Non-essential government employees in affected agencies may utilize approved alternate work arrangements, subject to existing regulations. Local chief executives in other regions may also implement localized suspensions of classes and/or government work based on their assessment of local weather conditions and in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
The decision regarding work suspensions in the private sector rests with individual company heads.
The suspension follows the development of a low-pressure area east of Aurora into Tropical Depression Dante on Tuesday afternoon, as reported by Pagasa.
This marks the fourth tropical cyclone to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this year. The decision to suspend work and classes underscores the severity of the weather situation and the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.
The ongoing heavy rainfall has already resulted in significant impacts, including fatalities and widespread flooding, as reported by the NDRRMC and DSWD. Power outages also affected a significant number of Meralco customers, mainly in areas experiencing severe flooding.
