NCR, 13 Luzon Areas Shift to Alternative Work, Learning Due to Monsoon Rains

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Wednesday evening directed government offices and schools in Metro Manila and 13 provinces to adopt alternative work and learning arrangements on Thursday, Sept. 10, due to the continued effects of the southwest monsoon, or “habagat.” Under Memorandum Circular No. 135 issued by the Office of the President, the areas covered by the order are as follows: The move was made upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council due to the expected inclement weather and impact of prolonged heavy rains in the affected areas. Meanwhile, health services, disaster management response, and other essential government agencies will remain operational to assist the public during severe weather conditions and emergency situations. READ: WALANG PASOK: Class suspensions on Thursday, Sept. 10 “Alternative learning modes will be implemented for classes at all levels in public and private schools in the affected areas, unless local chief executives direct otherwise,” the memorandum stated. It added that other local government units may also implement suspension of classes and work. Work suspensions in the private sector, on the other hand, will be at the discretion of the company. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration earlier said in a weather advisory issued at 4 p.m. that the southwest monsoon will persist to bring heavy rains over Central and Southern Luzon, as well as Visayas on Thursday. /cb