Typhoon ‘Emong’ prompts widespread class, work suspensions Friday

CLASSES at all levels and government work have been suspended in Metro Manila and 34 provinces on Friday, July 25, 2025, due to the anticipated heavy rainfall from Typhoon Emong and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).

The announcement was made Thursday afternoon by Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla. The affected provinces include: Bataan, Benguet, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Occidental Mindoro, Pangasinan, Zambales, Abra, Batangas, Cavite, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Laguna, Mountain Province, Pampanga, Tarlac, Albay, Apayao, Aurora, Bulacan, Cagayan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Isabela, Kalinga, Marinduque, Metro Manila, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Quezon, Quirino, and Rizal. Government frontliners, however, are expected to report for duty.

The suspension is a precautionary measure in response to Pagasa’s forecast that Typhoon Emong may make landfall over La Union, Ilocos Sur, or Ilocos Norte on Friday morning.

A close approach over northwestern Pangasinan between Thursday evening and early Friday morning is also possible. Between Friday noon and evening, Emong may pass close to or make landfall over the Babuyan Islands and Batanes.

The widespread suspensions reflect the potential severity of the impact from the typhoon and the monsoon rains. The decision prioritizes the safety of students and government employees.

As of Thursday, 40 areas have already declared a state of calamity due to the combined effects of recent tropical cyclones and the monsoon. Residents in affected areas are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.