With the expected heavy rainfall brought by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), government employees in Metro Manila and several other provinces will be required to engage in a work-from-home arrangement on Monday, according to a new circular from Malacañang.
Likewise, schools at all levels in the covered areas will also be required to use alternative learning modes on the said day unless otherwise directed by their concerned local chief executives.
Both arrangements were contained under Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 123, which was issued by Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto on Sunday upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
MC 123 will cover Metro Manila, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Zambales, Bataan, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Benguet, Pangasinan, Abra, Tarlac, Pampanga, Oriental Mindoro, and Bulacan.
It will not apply to government agencies involved in the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services, as well as private companies.
‘The suspension of work or adoption of alternative work arrangements for private companies and other offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads,’ the issuance stated.
The Palace said local government units (LGUs) will have the discretion to cancel or suspend classes and/or work in government offices. MC 123 comes after Malacañang declared two days of suspension of government work and classes in Metro Manila and other parts of the country last week because of the heavy rainfall caused by Tropical Storm Maymay (international name: Kujira) and the Southwest Monsoon.
During the weekend, NDRRMC reported that Tropical Storm Maymay and Luis (international name: Dolphin) killed at least six people and affected 74,755 families across Luzon.
In its weather advisory as of 11 pm last Sunday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) issued a heavy rainfall outlook for NCR and other parts of Luzon due to the effects of the Southwest Monsoon.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a statement that President Ferdinand Marcos is closely monitoring the effects of the Habagat, which resulted in flooding and rising waters in dams and reservoirs.
‘He has directed concerned agencies to remain on heightened alert, closely coordinate on water releases, and take the necessary preventive measures to protect communities and critical infrastructure,’ Castro said in a statement,
‘So far, while several dams in Central Luzon are experiencing spilling, water levels are being closely monitored and managed,’ she added.
Marcos also directed the Department of Health to provide a prompt response in preventing the spread of diseases during the ongoing rainy season, which includes leptospirosis- an illness that can usually be acquired from having contact with the urine of an infected animal.