11 LGUs suspend classes for INC mission

MANILA, Philippines - Eleven local government units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region suspended today’s classes for elementary and high school students due to the scheduled medical and dental mission by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said yesterday.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the officials of Quezon City, Caloocan, Pasig, Makati, Mandaluyong, Taguig, Pateros, Muntinlupa, Pasay, Parañaque and Valenzuela expect that their areas will be affected by the influx of around 1.6 million INC members who will participate in the mission set today in various parts of Manila.

The INC mission will be from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada issued Friday an order suspending classes in all levels in the city today.

Tolentino also proposed yesterday the implementation of “floating holidays” for workers in areas where religious festivities will be held in order to avoid traffic problems. He said these holidays allow workers to take a leave with pay during certain times of the year to allow them to practice their religious beliefs.

“There is no need for a declaration from the government. Employers can just allow their workers to take a vacation with pay on certain occasions,” Tolentino said in his weekly radio program over dzBB.