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Gov’t work, classes in Metro Manila suspended due to ‘Ulysses’

By Azer Parrocha

November 11, 2020, 3:26 pm

<p>File photo</p>

File photo

MANILA – Malacañang has suspended work in government offices and classes in all public schools in Metro Manila and the regions of Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Region 4-A (Calabarzon), Region 4-B (Mimaropa), Bicol, and the Cordillera Administrative Region due to Typhoon Ulysses.

Memorandum Circular No. 82, signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, suspended work and classes starting at 3 p.m. Wednesday until Thursday upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

However, agencies whose functions involve the delivery of basic health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities and/or the performances of vital services “shall continue with their operations and render the necessary services.”

The suspension of work for private companies, offices, and schools is left to the discretion of their respective heads.

In a separate statement, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque urged residents of areas that will be affected by the typhoon to regularly monitor and follow weather advisories and government announcements.

He also encouraged them to secure their house and vehicle, cooperate with authorities when an evacuation notice is issued, postpone travels to avoid getting stranded, and stay indoors to avoid injuries from flying debris.

In its 2 p.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said “Ulysses” was at 125 kilometers north of Virac, Catanduanes and is moving closer towards Quezon-Aurora areas.

It has a maximum sustained winds of 135 km per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 165 kph.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWN) No. 3 was raised over Metro Manila, the southern portion of Quirino, the southern portion of Nueva Vizcaya, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Aurora, Tarlac, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, the northern and central portions of Quezon including Pollilo Islands, and Batangas, Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, the northern portion of Camarines Sur.

Signal No. 2 was hoisted over the rest of Quirino, the rest of Nueva Vizcaya, the southern portion of Benguet, the southern portion of La Union, the rest of Quezon, Marinduque, the northern portion of Occidental Mindoro including Lubang Island, the northern portion of Oriental Mindoro, the rest of Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, and Burias and Ticao Islands.

TCWN No. 3 was raised over Isabela, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, the rest of Benguet, Abra, Ilocos Sur, the rest of La Union, the rest of Occidental Mindoro, the rest of Masbate, Northern Samar, the northern portion of Samar, and the northern portion of Eastern Samar.

Based on its forecast track, PAGASA said “Ulysses” will move generally west throughout its passage. (PNA)

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