What happens when the entire country hits “pause”? That’s exactly what’s unfolding as Memorandum Circular No. 106 sweeps across the Philippines. With Super Typhoon Uwan barreling in, the Office of the President has declared a suspension of work and classes across multiple regions — a move that reminds us how seriously the government takes public safety in the face of nature’s fury.
Issued on November 9, 2025, this circular isn’t just another announcement. It’s a nationwide signal for Filipinos to prepare, protect, and prioritize what truly matters: life.
What Memorandum Circular No. 106 Means
Memorandum Circular No. 106 was released upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). Its key directive: suspend work in government offices and classes in schools due to the expected major impacts of Super Typhoon Uwan.
Here’s a breakdown of the suspension:
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Work in government offices in the National Capital Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, and Regions I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, V, and VIII is suspended on November 10, 2025.
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Classes at all levels in those regions, plus Regions VI, VII, and the Negros Island Region, are suspended on November 10 and 11, 2025.
Essential government agencies—especially those in charge of health, safety, and emergency response—must stay operational. The circular also allows for alternate work arrangements and gives local government units outside the affected areas the power to decide their own suspensions.
In short: while most offices and schools will take shelter, the country’s lifelines—hospitals, disaster teams, and vital services—will keep running.
Why This Suspension Matters
At first glance, it might just look like another government holiday. But this move carries far more weight. It reflects a deep understanding of disaster risk management in a country where typhoons are as familiar as jeepneys and fiestas.
Here’s why the circular is crucial:
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Preemptive Safety – Instead of waiting for chaos to unfold, the government acts early. This proactive step helps families prepare homes, stock supplies, and move to safer ground.
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Unified Action – By suspending work and classes across several regions, it ensures people have the same window to prepare, reducing confusion and panic.
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Support for Local Leaders – It empowers mayors and governors to make their own calls in areas that might not be as heavily hit.
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Continuity of Essential Services – The circular emphasizes that hospitals, rescue units, and response offices must remain open. This keeps the nation’s emergency backbone intact.
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Economic and Emotional Relief – By halting work early, employees can focus on safety instead of risking travel during extreme weather.
It’s a delicate balance between national preparedness and local autonomy—and Memorandum Circular No. 106 handles that balance gracefully.
Super Typhoon “Uwan”: Why the Alert Is So Serious
To grasp the urgency, you have to understand Super Typhoon Uwan. Early forecasts warn it could bring torrential rain, destructive winds, and widespread flooding—a grim reminder of previous storms like Yolanda and Odette.
The NDRRMC’s recommendation wasn’t made lightly. Satellite data shows Uwan’s diameter covering hundreds of kilometers, threatening both coastal and inland provinces. With wind speeds expected to exceed 220 km/h, it’s among the strongest storms to hit the country in recent years.
Fun fact:
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The Philippines experiences around 20 typhoons every year, but only a few reach “super typhoon” status.
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PAGASA (the national weather bureau) started using the local name “Uwan” as part of its rotating list of weather disturbances for 2025.
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Some regions have already pre-positioned rescue boats, relief goods, and mobile communication units ahead of landfall.
That’s the beauty of coordination—when science, policy, and public readiness work together.
Government Work Suspension: How It’s Implemented
Suspending work might sound simple, but it’s a logistical challenge. Government agencies need to balance public service delivery with employee safety.
Under Memorandum Circular No. 106:
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Each department must ensure alternate work arrangements (like remote coordination or limited staffing for urgent duties).
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Local government units can issue localized suspensions beyond the mentioned dates if conditions worsen.
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Private companies are given discretion—they can choose to follow suit based on safety assessments.
This flexibility acknowledges that not all workplaces are the same. Hospitals, disaster response offices, and utilities can’t just shut down. Meanwhile, businesses dependent on travel or logistics must weigh risks carefully.
It’s a timely reminder that even in suspension, responsibility continues.
Education Paused, Learning Not Forgotten
For millions of students, two days off might sound like a welcome break—but it’s also a call to stay safe and alert.
The Department of Education (DepEd) often echoes the President’s directives during severe weather, suspending classes to protect both learners and school staff. Memorandum Circular No. 106 extends that spirit nationwide.
Here’s how schools often prepare:
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Securing classrooms and equipment before landfall.
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Activating communication lines to inform parents and teachers.
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Using online channels (when possible) to share updates and safety tips.
These may seem like small steps, but together they form a shield of community preparedness. Because in the Philippines, education and resilience go hand in hand.
A Country That Knows How to Endure
Filipinos have an unmatched ability to stay hopeful even when the skies turn dark. Each suspension, evacuation, and early warning is more than protocol—it’s a story of how we’ve learned from the past.
When the President’s office releases a circular like this, it’s not about red tape or politics. It’s about trusting the system built to protect us, and remembering that preparedness saves lives.
It’s the government’s way of saying, “We’ve got your back. Now stay safe.”
How are you getting ready for Uwan in your area? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments—let’s help one another stay safe and informed.