MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has ordered government offices and schools in Metro Manila and 17 provinces to shift to alternative work and learning arrangements on Thursday, August 20, as the southwest monsoon or habagat continues to bring potentially dangerous rainfall across Luzon.
The Palace directive comes even as Tropical Depression Neneng slightly weakened on Wednesday afternoon. PAGASA said the weather system is moving west-northwestward toward Taiwan, but warned that its circulation continues to strengthen the habagat, keeping the threat of heavy rain, flooding and other rain-related hazards elevated.
As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, Neneng was located about 375 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, with maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 55 kph, according to PAGASA’s 5 p.m. Tropical Cyclone Bulletin. No tropical cyclone wind signal was in effect.
NCR, 17 provinces covered
The Palace order covers the National Capital Region and the following provinces:
- Abra
- Benguet
- Ilocos Sur
- La Union
- Pangasinan
- Bataan
- Bulacan
- Nueva Ecija
- Pampanga
- Tarlac
- Zambales
- Batangas
- Cavite
- Laguna
- Rizal
- Occidental Mindoro
- Oriental Mindoro
The government directive calls for appropriate alternative work arrangements in government offices, while public and private schools in the affected areas are to implement alternative learning modes and learning-continuity measures at all levels, unless their respective local chief executives issue different directives.
Government agencies responsible for basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response, and other vital services are expected to continue operating.
For the private sector, any suspension of work or adoption of alternative work arrangements remains at the discretion of management.
Neneng is weakening—but the rain threat remains
The latest PAGASA bulletin shows Neneng weakening from its earlier strength. But that does not mean the weather threat is over.
PAGASA said the southwest monsoon will continue to produce strong to gale-force wind gusts across much of Luzon and other parts of the country through Thursday. Heavy rainfall associated with the habagat remains the primary concern for areas that have already received substantial rain in recent days.
Earlier Wednesday, PAGASA projected 100 to 200 millimeters of rain over Zambales, Bataan and Occidental Mindoro, while 50 to 100 millimeters was possible over Metro Manila, La Union, Benguet, Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Rizal and Oriental Mindoro.
For Thursday, PAGASA forecast 50 to 100 millimeters of rainfall over Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales and Bataan. The agency warned that rainfall could be higher in mountainous and elevated areas and that the effects may be aggravated by rain that has already fallen.
Neneng is not expected to make landfall in the Philippines
Despite its name dominating weather headlines, Neneng is not currently expected to make landfall in the Philippines.
PAGASA’s latest forecast has the depression moving generally northwestward toward Taiwan. The agency said Neneng may pass close to or make landfall over northern Taiwan between Thursday evening and early Friday, while the system is expected to remain over the Philippine Sea during the forecast period.
Philstar separately reported that PAGASA expects Neneng to weaken into a remnant low over or near Taiwan, although earlier weakening remains possible. The agency also stressed that heavy rain and severe winds can occur outside the storm’s forecast track.
That distinction is important: the Philippines does not need a direct typhoon landfall to experience dangerous weather. Neneng’s circulation is helping intensify the habagat, which is capable of producing prolonged rainfall over already saturated areas.
More rain could mean more flooding
The continuing monsoon comes after several days of heavy rainfall that have already caused flooding and other disruptions in parts of Luzon.
Philstar reported that PAGASA does not expect a significant break from the southwest monsoon through the end of August, with several weather systems continuing to influence the habagat.
The Philippine News Agency likewise reported that another burst of rainfall of up to 200 millimeters remains possible, with Neneng continuing to enhance the habagat despite not being expected to make landfall in the country.
The prolonged rainfall is particularly concerning because saturated ground can increase the likelihood of flash floods and landslides, especially in low-lying, mountainous and previously flooded communities.
What workers, students and parents should know
For residents covered by the Palace directive, the order does not simply mean everyone gets an automatic day off.
Government employees are expected to follow their agency’s approved alternative work arrangements, while schools are instructed to use alternative learning modes and learning-continuity measures.
Meanwhile, essential government services—including health, disaster response and other vital operations—are expected to remain functional.
Local government units outside the areas specifically covered by the Palace order may also issue their own localized suspension orders depending on actual weather and flooding conditions.
For private companies, employees should check directly with their employers because the national directive leaves alternative work arrangements to management.
The bigger warning
Neneng may be weakening, but that is not necessarily the headline residents should focus on.
The bigger immediate threat is the rain left behind—and the habagat that Neneng continues to fuel.
With many parts of Luzon already soaked by days of monsoon rainfall, another round of heavy rain could quickly turn localized flooding into a more serious hazard.
Residents in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas are therefore urged to monitor official PAGASA forecasts and advisories, follow instructions from local authorities, and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall.
For now, the message from forecasters is clear: Neneng may be losing strength, but the wet weather is far from over.
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