GOVERNMENT offices in the National Capital Region (NCR) and 13 provinces will implement work-from-home arrangements on Tuesday amid continued heavy rainfall associated with the southwest monsoon, the Palace said Monday.
The directive, issued through Memorandum Circular No. 128, covers Metro Manila and the provinces of Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Laguna and Occidental Mindoro.
The measure was issued upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and in view of the heavy rainfall warnings issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
Unless otherwise directed by their respective local chief executives, schools in the affected areas shall implement alternative learning modes for classes at all levels in public and private schools.
Government agencies involved in basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response, and other vital services are directed to continue operations and provide necessary services.
The suspension of work or adoption of alternative work arrangements in private companies and offices remains at the discretion of management.
Quezon City alert
The Palace announcement came as the Quezon City government warned residents that water levels at major rivers and dams in the city reached elevated alert levels, while deep flooding was reported on roads across several villages.
In a social media post Monday, the city government reminded residents, especially those in low-lying areas, to stay vigilant.
As of 3 p.m., it reported La Mesa Dam at Alert Level 3, with water at 79.69 meters; Marikina River at 17.04 meters and on Alert Level 2; San Juan River on Alert Level 3 at 14.25 meters; while Quirino or Tullahan River has subsided to 38.91 meters.
“Low-lying areas along the Tullahan River are also expected to be affected by the excess water from the La Mesa Dam. Included are Fairview, Forest Hills Subdivision, Quirino Highway, and San Bartolome,” it said in Filipino.
Communities near the Marikina River were also warned of possible flooding, particularly Bagong Silangan, Bagumbayan, Batasan Hills, Blue Ridge B, Libis, Matandang Balara, Pansol and Ugong Norte.
Areas near the San Juan River were also flagged in Lourdes, Sto. Domingo, Santol, Talayan, Roxas, Tatalon, Kalusugan, Doña Imelda and Damayang Lagi.
Meanwhile, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso suspended Tuesday’s face-to-face classes at all levels in public and private schools.
He cited inclement weather brought about by the enhanced southwest monsoon.
“Schools are advised to shift to ADM or alternative delivery mode,” he said.
Marikina suspended all classes for Tuesday.
San Juan also suspended Tuesday’s classes at all levels in public and private schools.
Caloocan suspended face-to-face classes at all levels in public and private schools. “Stay at home and do the activities, assignments, and projects,” Mayor Along Malapitan said in Filipino and English on Facebook.
Pasig suspended classes at all levels in public and private schools. “Schools are expected to implement the alternative delivery mode (synchronous or asynchronous),” the Pasig City Public Information Office said on Facebook.
Quezon City, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Pateros, Taguig, Valenzuela, and Pasay suspended face-to-face classes at all levels in public and private schools, with a shift to ADM.
Parañaque and Navotas suspended classes at all levels in public and private schools.
