Palace suspends gov't work in Metro Manila for APEC

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang declared on Monday a suspension of work in government offices in Metro Manila on November 17 and 20 due to the country's hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit (APEC).

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa signed on September 23 Memorandum Circular 84 suspending work in government offices in the metro including government-owned and controlled corporations.

However, government agencies that are directly involved in basic services such as security and safety, health and emergency preparedness and the conduct of various APEC meetings and related activities will continue their operations.

Ochoa said that for affected local government units and the private sector, suspension of work shall be on a voluntary basis based on their assessment of APEC scheduled activities from November 16 to 20.

Metro Manila will host on November 18 and 19 the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting, annual regional forum attended by 21 heads of states.

President Aquino signed earlier Proclamation 1072 declaring November 18 and 19 as special non-working days in the National Capital Region due to APEC.

The Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education also suspended classes on November 17 and 20 to give way for the security preparations for the highly anticipated event.