Malacañang orders work-from-home setup in NCR, 15 provinces amid habagat rains

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 10, 2026

Photo courtesy: Office of the President
Malacañang has ordered a work-from-home setup for government offices in NCR and 15 provinces on August 10 due to heavy habagat rains.

Malacañang has ordered government offices in Metro Manila and 15 provinces to implement a work-from-home arrangement on Monday, August 10, due to continued heavy rainfall brought by the southwest monsoon, or habagat.

Under Memorandum Circular No. 123, the directive, signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, was issued upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Malacañang made the announcement on Sunday evening, citing the heavy rain and flooding caused by the southwest monsoon as well as tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay.

The work-from-home order covers the National Capital Region and the provinces of Ilocos Sur, La Union, Zambales, Bataan, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Benguet, Pangasinan, Abra, Tarlac, Pampanga, Oriental Mindoro, and Bulacan.

Face-to-face classes at all levels in both public and private schools in the affected areas have also been suspended, with schools directed to shift to alternative learning modes, unless local chief executives order the cancellation of classes.

Agencies involved in the delivery of basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response, and other essential services have been directed to remain operational and continue rendering necessary assistance.

Malacañang left it up to local chief executives to decide on the cancellation or suspension of classes and work within their respective jurisdictions. Private companies also have the discretion to adopt similar work arrangements.

PAGASA had issued a yellow rainfall warning over Ilocos Sur, Benguet, and La Union due to the risk of flooding and landslides, while Metro Manila and parts of Central and Southern Luzon were also placed under advisory for periods of light to moderate rain with occasional heavy downpours.