MANILA – Work in government offices and classes in all levels in Metro Manila are still suspended on Sept. 1 due to inclement weather, Malacañang announced Thursday.

Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil confirmed to Palace reporters the suspension of government work and classes in Metro Manila, in view of the continuous rainfall brought about by the southwest monsoon, and Typhoons Goring and Hanna.

Garafil also confirmed the issuance of Memorandum Circular (MC) 30 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by the authority of the President.

Malacañang has yet to release an official copy of MC 30.

Government agencies whose functions involve the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services will continue with their operations and render the necessary services on Friday.

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

Bersamin also issued MC 29, suspending the work in government offices and classes at all levels in Metro Manila at around 3 p.m., Thursday.

A huge part of the country will continue to experience rains due to the southwest monsoon or “habagat” enhanced by Severe Tropical Storm Hanna and the two tropical cyclones outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), based on the 5 p.m. weather bulletin of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

PAGASA said habagat will continue to bring gusty conditions over Zambales, Bataan, Aurora, Bulacan, Ilocos and Cordillera regions, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas and the northern portion of Eastern Visayas.

Monsoon rains are also forecast over Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Occidental Mindoro, while occasional rains are likely in Ilocos, Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Tarlac, Pampanga and Quezon.

These areas may experience flooding or landslides due to heavy to intense rains, the weather bureau said.

Scattered rain showers and thunderstorms will prevail over Antique, Cagayan Valley, the rest of the Cordillera Region, the rest of Central Luzon and the rest of Mimaropa, also due to the habagat.

The rest of the country will experience isolated rain showers caused by localized thunderstorms. (PNA)