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Albay classes suspended Jan. 16 so residents can see Pope Francis
Classes and Provincial Capitol work will be suspended in Albay on Jan. 16 so students and employees can get a chance to go to Metro Manila and have a glimpse of Pope Francis.
Albay Governor Jose Salceda issued a no-work order for Capitol employees and the suspension of classes at all levels on Jan. 16, GMA News stringer Peewee Bacuño reported Thursday.
Salceda posted a similar report by state-run Philippines News Agency on his social media page.
Philippines News Agency: Provincial capitol closed, classes at all levels suspended in Albay on... http://t.co/A80AEG8fWN
— Joey Sarte Salceda (@jssalceda) January 8, 2015
He noted 85 percent of Albay residents are Catholic, and seeing the Pope can be a once-in-a-lifetime chance for many.
Also, he said he based his decision on consultations and appraisal with agencies like Bicol University and the Department of Education in Albay. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime event," he said.
On Jan. 16, the Pope is scheduled to meet with families at the Mall of Asia in southern Metro Manila.
"If those in the National Capital Region or Metro Manila will have an opportunity to see the Holy Pope, why deprive the Albayanos of the same privilege," Salceda said.
Requests
He also said he ordered officials and employees of the provincial government to adjust their work schedules before Jan. 16 so as not to jeopardize the public.
Salceda requested the Department of Public Works and Highways and local government units to temporarily suspend work on Jan. 16 to clear the route from Albay to Metro Manila. — Joel Locsin/VC, GMA News
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