MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has implemented a work-from-home (WFH) setup in government offices and alternative learning delivery modes in public and private schools at all levels in three provinces on Tuesday, amid persistent heavy rainfall brought by the Southwest Monsoon, or locally known as ‘Habagat’.
The directive—signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto—covers the provinces of Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro, which the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) earlier said that the concentration of heavy rains is expected until Wednesday.
The move was made on the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) for public safety.
Malacañang noted, however, that frontline agencies that provide basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response, and other essential operations must continue to provide necessary services.
In areas outside Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro, the suspension of work or classes remains at the discretion of their respective local leaders. Likewise, the school heads in the affected provinces are still allowed to make changes in the local class schedules as needed.
Private sector employers are left to the discretion of company heads.
