Classes at all levels in the City of Manila, along with work at local government offices, have been suspended on October 31 in observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day after an executive order from Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, the Manila Public Information Office (PIO) said that Domagoso signed Executive Order No. 67 enforcing the class and local government work suspension, in accordance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Presidential Proclamation No. 727 last October 2024.
Domagoso said the suspension, aside from commemorating a solemn event, will allow Manila residents to travel back to their provinces.
‘All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day are solemn occasions deeply rooted in Filipino culture and tradition,’ he said.
‘The suspension will allow Manileños sufficient time to travel, prepare, and honor their departed loved ones,’ he added.
Despite the work suspension for the local government agencies, offices that are involved in the delivery of essential services like those involved in health, peace and order, disaster response, and traffic management will remain fully operational.
‘Heads of these offices have been instructed to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of frontline services throughout the long weekend,’ Manila PIO said.
‘Private establishments within the city have been advised to exercise discretion in suspending work or adopting flexible arrangements for their employees,’ it added.
Last October 22, 2024, Malacañang announced that work in government offices and classes at all levels were suspended starting 12 noon of October 31 in observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
‘In order to provide government employees full opportunity to properly observe traditional AIl Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day activities, allow them to travel to and from different regions in the country, and promote domestic tourism, work in government offices and classes at all levels shall be suspended on 31 October 2024 starting 12:00 p.m,’ Malacañang said in memorandum circular 67, series of 2024.
Not covered by the order are 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.’
‘The suspension of work for private companies and offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads. This Circular shall take effect immediately,’ the circular read.