Due to the “anticipated continued heavy rainfall” due to the enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).
Through Memorandum Circular No. 131, Malacañan Palace directed the shift of government offices and classes at all levels (public and private) in Metro Manila and 17 provinces to alternative arrangements on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
The said memo is effective for the following areas:
- National Capital Region
- Abra
- Benguet
- Ilocos Norte
- Ilocos Sur
- La Union
- Pangasinan
- Bataan
- Bulacan
- Nueva Ecija
- Pampanga
- Tarlac
- Zambales
- Batangas
- Cavite
- Laguna
- Rizal
- Occidental Mindoro.
As for agencies involved in the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness or response to disasters and calamities, as well as other vital services, they are told to continue their operations and render the necessary services.
Meanwhile, for Contract of Service (COS) and Job Order (JO) workers in the government who are placed under alternative work arrangements, they shall be “paid the corresponding wages or salaries, subject to applicable rules and regulations,” the memo clarified.
For areas not part of the class suspension announcement, the same order told that their respective local government units are able to implement localized cancellation or suspension of classes and/or work in government offices.
Meanwhile, the suspension of work or adoption of alternative work arrangements in the private sector “shall be left to the discretion of management,” the same order stated.
The order was made following a recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in anticipation of continued heavy rainfall, which, it told, “poses risks of localized flooding and travel hazards.”
This also effectively makes a week-long cancelation of face-to-face classes in several areas, including Metro Manila, as Friday, August 21, is a special non-working holiday to commemorate the 43rd anniversary of the assassination of former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr.
