Malacañang on Wednesday evening directed government offices and schools in Metro Manila and 13 provinces to adopt alternative work and learning arrangements on Thursday, September 10, due to continued heavy rains brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon or “habagat.”
Under Memorandum Circular No. 135, the order covers government offices and classes at all levels in public and private schools in the following affected areas:
- Metro Manila
- La Union
- Pangasinan
- Benguet
- Bataan
- Bulacan
- Pampanga
- Zambales
- Batangas
- Cavite
- Laguna
- Rizal
- Occidental Mindoro
- Oriental Mindoro
The measure was issued upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) due to expected inclement weather and the effects of prolonged heavy rains in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, government agencies providing basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response, and other vital services will remain operational and are required to continue delivering necessary services.
Work suspension or the adoption of alternative work arrangements in private companies will be left to the discretion of management.
The memorandum also said that Contract of Service (COS) and Job Order (JO) workers placed under alternative work arrangements will be paid their corresponding wages or salaries, subject to existing rules and regulations.
“Unless otherwise directed by their respective Local Chief Executives, alternative learning modes for classes at all levels in public and private schools shall be implemented in the aforementioned area,” the memorandum said.
Local chief executives may also order the localized cancellation or suspension of classes and/or work in government offices in other areas, in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations, it said.
