Photo Official Gazette

The local governments of Manila and Pasay have announced a suspension of classes and work for October 14 and 15, 2024, in anticipation of the 10th Session of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR). The event will be hosted at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) from October 14 to 18.

But hold up, there’s a catch: the suspension only applies to government offices and schools at all levels within these cities. If you’re in the private sector, you’ll have to wait for a green light from your company. The decision to suspend work in private offices will be at the discretion of the respective heads, so you might still have to set that alarm.

What’s the APMCDRR All About?

This year’s event with the theme, "Surge to 2030: Enhancing Ambition in Asia-Pacific to Accelerate Disaster Risk Reduction", will bring together leaders and disaster risk reduction experts from across the region to discuss strategies and action plans to keep the Asia-Pacific region resilient and prepared for any kind of natural calamity. It’s a big deal, which is why the city expects increased activity and traffic around PICC.

What’s the Plan for Essential Services?

Don’t worry—basic services and emergency response units won’t be taking a break. All agencies that handle health services, disaster preparedness, and other essential roles will still be on duty. They’ll ensure that everything runs smoothly even as the APMCDRR discussions are underway.

So, mark your calendars, Manila and Pasay folks. Whether you’re looking forward to a short break or just planning your commutes, it’s best to stay updated as the event approaches. Enjoy the downtime, or make the most out of it if you have a bit of extra free time!