MANILA - The Philippine government suspended on Tuesday work in state offices and classes in colleges in the National Capital Region (NCR) and nine other provinces as heavy rains brought by southwest monsoon continue to inundate the areas.

In a Memorandum Circular No. 33, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) recommended the suspension of work and classes in Metro Manila and in the provinces of Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite, and Rizal.

However, he said those agencies whose functions involve the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness and response to disasters and calamities, and the performance of other vital public services shall continue their operations and render the necessary services.

As early as Monday night, local executives in Metro Manila and nearby provinces have declared suspension of classes from pre- elementary to high schools.

Pagasa said that heavy to intense rainfall could still be expected in the metropolis and nearby areas as it warned residents in high risk areas to take precaution.

The Metro Manila Development Authority said that some streets in NCR were not passable due to waist-deep flooding.