PALACE SUSPENDS FACE-TO-FACE CLASSES, OFFICE WORK ON AUG. 10  IN AREAS AFFECTED BY EXTREME ‘HABAGAT’ RAINS  

MALACAÑANG  on Sunday announced the suspension of face-to-face classes and work at government offices in Metro Manila and 15 provinces on Monday, Agust 10, due to the enhanced southwest monsoon or habagat.

Under Memorandum Circular No. 123 signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, the Palace advised all public and private schools to implement alternative learning modes.

Meanwhile, government offices will undergo a work-from-home arrangement.  

Aside from Metro Manila or the National Capital Region, the areas covered by the memorandum circular are Ilocos Sur, La Union, Zambales, Bataan, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Benguet, Pangasinan, Abra, Tarlac, Pampanga, Oriental Mindoro and Bulacan.

The circular was issued upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council  (NDRRMC) in anticipation of continued heavy rainfall due to habagat.

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.

The suspension of work or adoption of alternative work arrangements for private companies and offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads.

The enhanced southwest monsoon had brought about flooding to Metro Manila and nearby areas over the weekend.

At least eight people have died, and more than 382,000 people have been affected by days of heavy rains brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay.