Palace suspends gov't work, classes

Malacañang suspended work in government offices today and canceled classes in several regions until tomorrow due to the expected severe impact of Super Typhoon Uwan.

- By HELEN FLORES

The super typhoon started battering the country's northeastern coast ahead of landfall yesterday. The Philippines is still reeling from the devastation from Typhoon Tino, which left over 220 people dead in the Visayas and other parts of the country.

Under Memorandum Circular No. 106, signed yesterday by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by the authority of President Marcos, government work is suspended today in Metro Manila, Cordillera Administrative Region, and in the regions of Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol and Eastern Visayas.

Classes in all levels in these regions, as well as in Regions 6 (Western Visayas), 7 (Central Visayas) and the Negros Island Region are also suspended today and tomorrow based on MC 106.

The cancellation of work in government offices and classes in these areas was upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council "in view of the forecasted major impacts that will be brought about by Super Typhoon Uwan," the memorandum read.

However, government agencies responsible for basic, vital and health services, preparedness and response duties must continue to remain operational, it said.