MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has ordered government offices in the National Capital Region (NCR) and 17 provinces to adopt appropriate alternative work arrangements on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, as persistent rains from the southwest monsoon, or Habagat, continue to affect large parts of Luzon.
The directive, issued under Memorandum Circular No. 129, covers 18 areas nationwide: NCR, Abra, Benguet, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro.
18 areas covered by the Palace order
Government offices in the following areas are covered by the alternative work arrangement:
- National Capital Region
- Abra
- Benguet
- Ilocos Sur
- La Union
- Pangasinan
- Bataan
- Bulacan
- Nueva Ecija
- Pampanga
- Tarlac
- Zambales
- Batangas
- Cavite
- Laguna
- Rizal
- Occidental Mindoro
- Oriental Mindoro
The Palace directive comes as the country continues to deal with prolonged monsoon rains that have caused flooding and difficult travel conditions in several parts of Luzon.
Schools also ordered to shift to alternative learning modes
The memorandum also calls for alternative learning modes and learning continuity measures for classes at all levels in both public and private schools in the affected areas, unless their respective local chief executives issue a different directive.
This means the Palace order should not automatically be interpreted as a nationwide or blanket cancellation of classes. Local government units may issue localized suspensions or other measures depending on conditions in their respective areas.
Essential government services will continue
Despite the alternative work arrangements, agencies responsible for basic and health services, disaster and calamity preparedness and response, and other vital government functions are required to continue operating.
Contract of Service and Job Order workers placed under alternative work arrangements will also receive their corresponding wages or salaries, subject to applicable rules and regulations.
Private companies make their own call
For employees in the private sector, the Palace directive does not automatically require companies to suspend operations or adopt work-from-home arrangements.
The memorandum leaves the decision to suspend work or implement alternative work arrangements in private companies to management.
Workers should therefore check directly with their employers for instructions before assuming that private-sector offices are covered by the government directive.
Why the Palace expanded the coverage
The latest order comes amid continued heavy rainfall associated with the Southwest Monsoon, or Habagat, which has affected Metro Manila and several provinces in Luzon.
PAGASA said the Habagat would continue bringing rain to parts of Luzon and the Visayas, while two low-pressure areas were being monitored. Weather officials warned that rainfall could continue through the week, although its intensity may vary.
The weather situation has already produced significant rainfall in Metro Manila. On August 17, Quezon City’s Science Garden recorded 201.7 millimeters of rain in six hours, underscoring the intensity of the recent downpour.
PAGASA also reported that Tropical Depression Neneng was expected to enhance the Habagat, potentially contributing to additional rainfall even as the system was not expected to make landfall in the country.
More localized suspensions remain possible
The Palace order does not prevent local officials from taking additional action.
Local chief executives may implement localized cancellation or suspension of classes and/or government work in other areas when warranted by local conditions and existing laws and regulations.
This is particularly important for residents in flood-prone communities, where conditions can change rapidly even when a province or city is not included in the national directive.
What the public should remember
Government employees: Check your agency’s instructions on the specific alternative work arrangement.
Students and parents: Check announcements from your local government unit and school because localized decisions may differ.
Private-sector workers: Coordinate with your employer because the Palace order does not automatically suspend private-sector work.
Essential-service workers: Basic services, health services, disaster response and other vital government operations are expected to continue.
With Habagat rains expected to persist, residents in affected areas are urged to monitor official weather bulletins and local government advisories, particularly in communities vulnerable to flooding and landslides.
The latest Palace directive reflects a continuing effort to balance government operations with public safety as heavy rains persist across parts of Luzon.
Leave a Reply