VIRAC, Catanduanes (PIA) - In anticipation of the possible landfall of Tropical Storm "Paeng" over Catanduanes on Saturday, Governor Joseph C. Cua issued Memorandum 246, suspending government work in this island-province today, October 28.

The suspension aimed to provide government employees full opportunity to prepare their homes and properties for the impending onslaught of Paeng which made a shift in track.

However, those agencies whose functions involved the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services were directed to continue with their operations and render the necessary service.

Also, government banks were encouraged to open for half day to facilitate necessary government transactions in relation to the typhoon response of local government units (LGUs). Private establishments werre also encouraged to suspend work.

The suspension will take effect until such time that the inclement weather normalizes or the Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TWCS) in the province is finally lifted by Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Per Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 7 issued at 11 p.m. of Oct. 27, Paeng may make landfall or pass very close to Catanduanes on Saturday. Another landfall scenario is possible on Sunday over Aurora or the east coast of Quezon. Considering the southward shift in the forecast track, a possible landfall in the eastern portion of Bicol Region is not ruled out at this time.

During yesterday's pre-disaster meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council chaired by Cua, typhoon signal number 2 or 3 could be hoisted over the island if the track holds, with intense to torrential rains possible for the critical period between Friday afternoon and Saturday morning.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development reported that a total of 2,699 family food packs have been prepositioned in the province.

Each FFP contains six kilos of rice, 10 pieces of canned goods, and five sachets each of 3-in-1 coffee and cereal drink.

The National Food Authority has also released 100 bags of rice to the provincial government, with 100 more to follow after Cua asked for additional allocation. (PIA5/Catanduanes)