No classes, work in Metro Manila due to APEC

MANILA, Philippines (2nd UPDATE) – There will be no classes in all levels in Metro Manila schools from November 17 to 20 due to the 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), which is being hosted by the Philippines. 

The Commission on Higher Education is the latest agency to issue class suspension schedules in relation to the international event. In a statement on Monday, September 21, CHED-National Capital Region (NCR) Director Leonida Calagui said a memorandum had been issued to the presidents or heads of public and private colleges and universities in Metro Manila that November 17 and 20 are “school holidays.” 

Earlier, in a memorandum dated August 10, Department of Education (DepEd) director for NCR Luz Almeda also said classes will be suspended on those dates “for security reasons and to ease traffic congestion.”

Non-working days

Since an earlier Proclamation Number 1072 from Malacañang already declared November 18 and 19 as special non-working days in NCR, the CHED and DepEd memos mean classes in Metro Manila will be suspended for 4 days – from November 17 (Tuesday) to 20 (Friday) – due to the APEC. There will also be no work in the public sector on November 17 and 20. 

“In this connection, schools divisions are given the discretion to determine the schedule of make-up classes for the 2-day suspension of classes occasioned by the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting,” DepEd’s Almeda wrote. 

She added: “The schools are directed to include the importance and benefits of APEC in the lessons of Araling Panlipunan.“

Almeda also reminded school principals to still comply with the required 201 school days for school year 2015-2016.

CHED’s Calagui also said: “All higher education institutions in NCR are encouraged to give their students alternative activities and assignments to keep them off campus and roads on the said dates.” 

There will also be no work in the private sector from November 18 to 19, based on Proclamation No 1072, s 2015. – Jee Y. Geronimo/Rappler.com