Philippine government announced on Monday the suspension of work in government offices in Metro Manila on Nov. 17 and 20 following the country's hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference next month.

Exempted from the suspension are government agencies involved in basic services, security and safety, health and emergency preparedness and APEC-related activities.

Suspension of work in affected local government units in the National Capital Region (NCR) and the private sector will be on a voluntary basis.

Philippine Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. issued Memorandum Circular No. 84 on Sept. 23 which also suspends work in government owned and controlled corporation offices in Metro Manila.

Malacanang, the Presidential palace, in July, initially declared Nov. 18 and 19 as non-working holidays in the NCR after issuing through Proclamation No. 1072.

The Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education, in separate memorandum orders, also declared last month that Nov. 17 and 20 would be observed as "school holidays" in Metro Manila in observance of the APEC.

The APEC Economic Leader's Meeting will be attended by 21 world leaders. Endi

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