from www.abs-cbnnews.com:

Palace cancels Thursday classes for elementary, HS

Malacañang on Wednesday announced the suspension of classes in the elementary and high school levels in the National Capital Region and provinces in Luzon on Thursday, DZMM reported.

The report said President Arroyo has approved the recommendation of the National Disaster Coordinating Council to suspend elementary and high school classes in the public and private sectors in Metro Manila, Cavite, Rizal, Pampanga, Bataan, Tarlac, Bulacan, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Zambales, Benguet and Mountain Province.

The announcement came in the wake of heavy downpour brought by tropical storm Chedeng (international codename: Pabuk) that also left 11 people dead.

On Wednesday the Department of Education suspended classes in the elementary and high school levels in Metro Manila.

DepEd Undersecretary Vilma Labrador apologized to the public for giving the late advisory.

"We've suspended classes in the elementary and high school levels. [Weather bureau] PAGASA reported that the rain would continue for the rest of the day," Labrador told DZMM.

Local government units also suspended classes on all levels in Muntinlupa, Las Piñas and Malabon due to massive flooding. Malabon Mayor Canuto Oreta also sent out rescue teams to help families affected by floods.