Tacloban Declares Half-Day Work and Classes Suspension for Holy Week Preparations

TACLOBAN, Philippines – In a move to accommodate Holy Week observances, Tacloban’s city government announced the suspension of afternoon classes and government work on March 27, allowing residents to dedicate time to spiritual and familial preparations for the significant religious week.

According to Philippines News Agency, Executive Order No. 2024-03-13 was issued to halt academic activities and governmental operations from 12 p.m. onward on the specified date. The directive underscores the city’s acknowledgment of Holy Week’s importance, aiming to ensure that Tacloban’s citizens can engage fully in the week’s religious and communal activities.

The executive order particularly targets the facilitation of an unhurried preparation phase for Holy Week, an integral period for many in Tacloban, enabling them to gather with family and partake in the week’s solemn observances. While the order directly impacts government and educational institutions, the private sector is granted the discretion to adopt similar measures based on management’s decision.

Critical services, however, such as those involved in maintaining public order, health services, emergency response, traffic management, and disaster preparedness, will continue their operations unaffected by the suspension, ensuring the city’s essential functions remain uninterrupted during the preparatory period.