Palace declares Oct. 31 half-day for government employees, students

Work in government offices and classes in public and private schools are suspended from noon on Thursday, Oct. 31 ahead of Undas, the Malacañang announced.

According to a memo released on Tuesday evening, the Palace said that half-day work and classes will be observed on Oct. 31 "in order to provide government employees full opportunity to properly observe traditional AIl Saints' Day and All Souls' Day activities."

It also noted that the suspension will "allow them to travel to and from different regions in the country, and promote domestic tourism."

The Palace, however, noted that "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 shall continue their operations and render the necessary services."

Private companies and offices may decide whether to suspend work at the discretion of their respective management.

On Monday, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced that they have begun coordinating with traffic management agencies in Metro Manila, including the police and the Highway Patrol Group, to prepare for the upcoming All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day celebrations.

MMDA Traffic Enforcement Group Chief Atty. Victor Nunez announced in a briefing that LGUs have until Oct. 25 to submit their lists of road closures near major cemeteries in their areas.

He said that a total of 1,257 MMDA personnel will be deployed to manage the expected increase in departing passengers.