Lessons and dismissals up to local officials – Palace

MANILA, Philippines — On Sunday, Malacañang said the suspension of classes and work in government offices during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Pepito would be at the discretion of local officials.

“After consultation with the relevant government agencies and the NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council), cancellation of classes and/or suspension of work in government departments is handed over to the relevant local senior managers, taking into account the situation in their respective cases. The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said “Indigenous territories,” he said in the statement.

Children walk along a seawall as giant waves caused by weather conditions from Super Typhoon Pepito hit the coast in Manila Bay on November 17, 2024. AFP PHOTO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. over the weekend directed frontline government agencies dealing with the provision of essential services and healthcare, preparedness/response to disasters and catastrophes, and/or the performance of other vital services “to prepare for the worst-case scenario.”

He also ordered the relevant authorities to move all families living in coastal areas to higher ground.

Pepito, the 16th typhoon to hit the country this year and the sixth this month, reached Catanduanes for the first time on Saturday evening.

The second landfall occurred Sunday afternoon in Aurora County.

As of this writing, the city of Manila has announced the suspension of face-to-face classes and online classes at all levels for public and private schools.