Memorandum Circular No. 64: Government Work Suspension for National Family Week 2024

The government of the Philippines recently issued Memorandum Circular No. 64, which declares the suspension of work in government offices under the Executive branch starting at 3:00 PM on September 23, 2024. This suspension is part of the celebration of National Family Week, an annual event that aims to strengthen the bond among Filipino families.

The memorandum is based on two important proclamations:

Proclamation No. 60 (1992) – This proclamation established the last week of September as Family Week in the Philippines.
Proclamation No. 326 (2012) – This declared the fourth Monday of September as “Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga” Day, a day meant to encourage families to spend time together, especially during meals.

Work Suspension in the Executive Branch

On September 23, 2024, all government offices under the Executive branch will suspend work starting at 3:00 PM. This allows government employees to participate in family-related activities organized by the National Committee on the Filipino Family. The purpose of this early dismissal is to provide government workers the opportunity to spend more quality time with their families.

Who is Exempted from the Suspension?

Certain government agencies that provide critical services will continue to operate despite the work suspension. These include offices that handle:

Basic and health services
Disaster preparedness and response
Vital services for the public

These offices must ensure that they continue their operations to provide essential services to the Filipino people.

Encouragement for Other Sectors to Join

While the suspension only applies directly to the Executive branch, the memorandum encourages other branches of government, independent commissions, and even the private sector to observe the work suspension as well. This is to allow as many Filipino families as possible to participate in the celebration of National Family Week and particularly “Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga” Day.

The Importance of National Family Week

The National Family Week is an important event in the Philippines, celebrated every year to emphasize the significance of strong family ties. The family is seen as the foundation of Filipino society, and the government encourages everyone to take this opportunity to spend meaningful time with their loved ones.

The Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga initiative highlights the importance of shared family meals. Studies show that eating meals together strengthens family relationships and improves communication, which can lead to a happier and healthier family life.

Supporting National Family Week

The National Committee on the Filipino Family is responsible for organizing events and activities during National Family Week. Government employees are encouraged to support and participate in these activities. By doing so, they contribute to promoting family unity and well-being across the country.

Government Offices Under the Executive Branch

The Executive branch of the Philippine government is responsible for implementing laws and policies under the leadership of the President. This branch includes various offices, departments, and agencies tasked with running the day-to-day operations of the government. Some of the key offices under the Executive branch include:

1. Office of the President

The Office of the President (OP) manages the overall operations of the Executive branch and advises the President on policy matters.

2. Office of the Vice President

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) assists the Vice President in executing executive functions and tasks delegated by the President.

3. Departments (Cabinet-level Agencies)

These are government departments that oversee different sectors and are headed by secretaries appointed by the President. These include:

Department of Agriculture (DA)
Department of Education (DepEd)
Department of Health (DOH)
Department of National Defense (DND)
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
Department of Transportation (DOTr)

4. Other Executive Offices

In addition to the departments, there are other significant agencies under the Executive branch:

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) – Tax collection and management.
Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Oversees import and export regulations.
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) – Manages higher education institutions.
Philippine National Police (PNP) – Law enforcement and public safety, under DILG.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) – National defense, under DND.
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) – National economic planning.
National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) – Disaster preparedness and response.

5. Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs)

These state-run corporations are also under the Executive branch and include:

PhilHealth – Manages public health insurance.
Social Security System (SSS) – Provides benefits to private sector employees.
Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) – Offers benefits to government employees.
Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) – National development and finance.

These offices and agencies are responsible for carrying out the laws and programs set by the President. Their role is critical in ensuring that the services needed by the public, including health, education, and social services, are delivered effectively.

Summary of Key Points

Work suspension in government offices under the Executive branch starts at 3:00 PM on September 23, 2024.
Agencies providing essential services like health and disaster response are exempted from the suspension.
Other branches of government and the private sector are encouraged to join in the suspension to promote the observance of National Family Week.
National Family Week highlights the value of family, with a focus on strengthening family relationships through activities like “Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga” Day.

Conclusion

Memorandum Circular No. 64 is a step toward recognizing the central role that families play in the lives of Filipinos. By suspending work in government offices, the government is providing its employees a chance to focus on what truly matters—their families. Through the observance of National Family Week and the promotion of Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day, the hope is to inspire all Filipinos to prioritize their families, strengthen their bonds, and create lasting memories together.

You can check the list of class suspensions/walang pasok here.

Memorandum Circular No. 64

Read the Memorandum Circular No. 64 for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is National Family Week?

National Family Week is a yearly event celebrated during the last week of September to promote the importance of family unity and bonding among Filipino families. It was established through Proclamation No. 60 in 1992.

What is “Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga” Day?

“Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga” Day is celebrated on the fourth Monday of September each year. The day encourages families to share a meal together, strengthening family ties through communication and quality time.

Is the work suspension mandatory for all government offices?

The work suspension applies to government offices under the Executive branch. However, other branches of government, independent commissions, and even the private sector are encouraged to join the observance by also suspending work on September 23, 2024.

Are all government offices under the Executive branch affected?

Most government offices in the Executive branch will suspend work at 3:00 PM. However, offices that provide essential services, such as those related to health, disaster response, and other vital functions, will continue to operate.

How can families participate in National Family Week?

Families can participate by spending more time together, especially on “Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga” Day. They can also join various activities organized by the National Committee on the Filipino Family to celebrate and promote family values.

What is the purpose of suspending work for National Family Week?

The work suspension allows government employees to have more time with their families. This aligns with the government’s aim of promoting the importance of family bonding and unity during National Family Week.