Work in government and classes at all levels in Metro Manila and nearby provinces have been suspended due to the continuous rain brought by southwest monsoon.
Students from Pinaglabanan Elementary School in San Juan City use their umbrellas to shield themselves from heavy rain brought by southwest monsoon (Habagat) on July 21, 2025. (Santi San Juan)
Malacañang, through Memorandum Circular No. 88, ordered the suspension of government work and classes on Monday, July 21 at 1 p.m.
The suspension covered all cities in Metro Manila, Cavite, Rizal, Batangas, Laguna, Pampanga, Zambales, and Bataan.
"In view of the continuous rainfall brought about by the Southwest Monsoon, work in government offices and classes at all levels in Metro Manila, Cavite, Rizal, Batangas, Laguna, Bulacan, Pampanga, Zambales and Bataan are hereby suspended on 21 July 2025 at 1:00 in the afternoon," the memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin stated.
"However, those agencies whose functions involve the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services shall continue with their operations and render the necessary services," it added.
The suspension of work for private companies and offices, on the other hand, was left to the discretion of their respective heads.
As of Monday morning, a low-pressure area (LPA) was formed east of Luzon, while the southwest monsoon (habagat) continues to bring persistent rains across large parts of the country, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.
PAGASA weather specialist Daniel James Villamil said the weather disturbance currently has a low chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours.