MALACANANG has issued new directives directing government offices and educational institutions across multiple regions to shift to alternative arrangements on Thursday, August 20, to ensure safety amid continued heavy rainfall brought by the enhanced Southwest Monsoon or Habagat.
Under Memorandum Circular No. 131, public and private schools at all levels are instructed to adopt alternative learning modes and implement learning continuity measures, while government offices shall institute appropriate alternative work schedules. The directive was issued upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), which warned that persistent monsoon rains bring significant risks of localized flooding and travel disruptions.
The areas covered by the circular include the National Capital Region, as well as the provinces of Abra, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, and Occidental Mindoro. These regions have been identified as most vulnerable to monsoon rains and possible flash floods, prompting the Palace to prioritize the safety of students, teachers, and government personnel by keeping them off flooded roads and away from hazardous conditions.
The Palace emphasized that essential services such as health care, disaster response, and public safety agencies must remain fully operational throughout the period to ensure continuous assistance and emergency readiness. Local chief executives retain authority to adjust or suspend operations further in their respective jurisdictions based on actual ground conditions. Private businesses, meanwhile, are encouraged to adopt similar flexible arrangements at their discretion, mindful of the risks posed by inclement weather and flooded roadways.
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