More non-working days for gov’t employees during APEC

MANILA, Philippines – National government workers in Metro Manila will get two additional days off from work during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in November, Malacañang announced Monday, October 5.

November 17 and 20 will now be also non-working days for government officials in the National Capital Region, Malacañang said via Memorandum Circular 84, “in view of the activities related to the Philippine hosting of the APEC Summit.”

The memorandum – issued September 23 and signed on behalf of the President by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr – also covers employees of government-owned or -controlled corporations.

This is in addition to November 18 and 19, which have already been declared as special non-working days via Proclamation No 1072 (series of 2015) issued last July.

“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, shall continue their operations to ensure the success of the event,” Memorandum Circular 84 added.

Meanwhile, work suspension in local governments and private sector are on a voluntary basis.

Classes in all levels in Metro Manila have already been suspended November 17 to 20 due to the APEC Summit. – Rappler.com