Palace orders work-from-home, alternative learning setup in NCR, 15 provinces amid heavy Habagat rains
At A Glance
- Government offices in Metro Manila and 15 provinces will adopt work-from-home arrangements on Aug. 10 due to continued heavy rains from the Southwest Monsoon.
- Public and private schools in the affected areas will shift to alternative learning modes unless local chief executives order otherwise.
- PAGASA has issued heavy rainfall warnings in several areas, including Metro Manila, as the Habagat continues to bring periods of heavy rain.
Malacañang has ordered work-from-home arrangements in government offices in Metro Manila and 15 provinces on Monday, Aug. 10, amid continued heavy rainfall brought by the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat.
The directive covers Ilocos Sur, La Union, Zambales, Bataan, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Benguet, Pangasinan, Abra, Tarlac, Pampanga, Oriental Mindoro, and Bulacan, in addition to the National Capital Region.
Under Memorandum Circular No. 123, issued Aug. 9, alternative learning modes for classes at all levels in public and private schools will also be implemented in the affected areas unless otherwise directed by their respective local chief executives.
The circular was issued upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in anticipation of continued heavy rainfall due to the Southwest Monsoon.
Agencies responsible for delivering basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response, and other vital services were directed to continue operations and provide necessary services despite the work-from-home arrangement.
The circular also allows local chief executives to order localized cancellation or suspension of classes and government work in other areas pursuant to existing laws, rules, and regulations.
For private companies and offices, the decision to suspend work or adopt alternative work arrangements was left to their respective heads.
PAGASA’s latest regional advisories late Sunday showed the continuing threat from the Habagat, with a yellow rainfall warning issued over Ilocos Sur, Benguet, and La Union due to possible flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.
Metro Manila was also affected by the enhanced Southwest Monsoon, with PAGASA reporting heavy rainfall warnings late Sunday and periods of light to moderate rain with occasional heavy rain in nearby parts of Central and Southern Luzon.
PAGASA’s latest weather information also listed Tropical Storm Peilou outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, about 2,200 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 80 kph.
The Palace circular took effect immediately and applies specifically to Aug. 10, while government agencies and the public were urged to continue monitoring weather and disaster-related advisories.