In Memorandum Circular No. 67, s. 2024, the government has announced a half-day work suspension on October 31, 2024, for all government offices and public schools. This decision allows employees to observe traditional All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day activities and travel across regions in the Philippines. The suspension starts at 12:00 p.m. on October 31, ensuring that people have enough time to prepare for these special days. However, it is important to note that this half-day suspension does not apply to all government agencies. Some offices that provide essential services must remain open to ensure public safety and respond to emergencies.
All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day: What Do They Mean?
Before diving into the details of the memorandum, it’s important to understand the significance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. These are two major holidays in the Philippines.
- All Saints’ Day (November 1) is a day to honor and remember all the saints of the Church, known and unknown. It is considered a holy day of obligation in the Catholic faith.
- All Souls’ Day (November 2) is a day dedicated to praying for the souls of the deceased. Filipinos traditionally visit cemeteries to offer prayers, light candles, and bring flowers for their loved ones who have passed away.
These holidays are not only a time for prayer but also for family gatherings and remembering loved ones. Many Filipinos travel back to their hometowns during this period, which is why the government decided to suspend work early on October 31 to accommodate these traditions.
Government Work Suspension: October 31, 2024, 12:00 PM
In Memorandum Circular No. 67, s. 2024, the government announced that work in all government offices will be suspended starting at 12:00 p.m. on October 31, 2024. This gives employees the chance to prepare for the upcoming holidays, especially those who need to travel to different provinces or regions.
Classes in public schools at all levels will also be suspended. This ensures that students, teachers, and staff also have the opportunity to observe the holidays or prepare for family gatherings.
However, the suspension of work in private offices is left to the discretion of the heads of each company. This means private companies can decide if they will also suspend work on October 31 or continue their operations.
Essential Services Will Continue Operations
While most government offices will close early on October 31, the memorandum makes an important exception for government agencies that provide vital services. These include:
- Health services
- Disaster response and preparedness services
- Other essential public services
These agencies must continue their operations to ensure that important services are available, especially in times of emergency or disaster. For example, hospitals, fire departments, and disaster response teams will remain operational to assist the public if needed. These services are essential and cannot be disrupted, even during holidays.
Promoting Domestic Tourism
Another key goal of this work suspension is to promote domestic tourism. By giving people more time to travel, the government encourages Filipinos to visit other regions and provinces. The long weekend is an opportunity for many to explore the country and spend quality time with family in different locations. Popular tourist spots, such as Baguio, Tagaytay, and Boracay, often see a rise in visitors during this period.
The suspension of work starting at noon on October 31 allows for smoother travel. People can leave early and avoid the usual traffic jams that occur during long weekends. This move by the government aims to boost local businesses and the tourism industry, which is crucial for many communities, especially after the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Important Reminders for Government Employees
- Plan Your Travel Early: Since many Filipinos will be traveling during this period, it is important to plan your trips in advance. Make sure to book tickets early and check the schedules of buses, flights, or ferries to avoid last-minute hassles.
- Be Mindful of Health Protocols: While travel is encouraged, it is essential to follow health protocols. Check for any guidelines related to COVID-19 or other health concerns in your destination to ensure safe travel.
- Essential Workers: If you are part of a government agency providing essential services, make sure to check your schedule with your supervisor. While most offices will close early, your agency may require you to work, especially if you are part of the health or disaster response teams.
Effectivity of Memorandum Circular No. 67, s. 2024
The circular clearly states that this memorandum shall take effect immediately. This means that the announcement is now in place, and employees in government offices can expect to have a half-day of work on October 31, 2024.
Private companies, on the other hand, can choose whether they want to follow the government’s lead or not. This gives employers the flexibility to decide based on their business needs.
