Executive Secretary Ralph Recto (Courtesy: Office of the Executive Secretary)
Malacañang ordered work-from-home arrangements for government employees and alternative learning modes for students in Metro Manila and 15 provinces on Monday as heavy rains from the enhanced southwest monsoon, or Habagat, continued to affect large parts of Luzon.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto signed Memorandum Circular No. 123 on Sunday under the authority of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., following the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
The directive covers government offices in the National Capital Region and the provinces of Abra, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Benguet, Pangasinan, Zambales, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bataan, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro.
Public and private schools in the affected areas were likewise directed to shift to alternative learning modes for all grade levels on Aug. 10, unless their respective local chief executives issue different instructions.
The Palace said the measure was intended to reduce risks to government workers and students amid forecasts of continued heavy rainfall.
Government agencies responsible for basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response, and other vital services were exempted from the work-from-home arrangement and ordered to continue operating.
“Agencies involved in the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services are hereby directed to continue their operations and render the necessary services,” the memorandum said.
The circular also allowed local chief executives in other areas to suspend classes or government work depending on localized weather and flooding conditions.
For private companies and offices, decisions on work suspensions or alternative work arrangements were left to their respective management.
The directive came as the southwest monsoon continued to bring rains over Luzon, with authorities monitoring flood-prone communities and water levels in dams and reservoirs.
Authorities urged residents in affected areas to remain alert and follow advisories from local disaster officials.