Palace orders alternative gov’t work in NCR, 17 provinces on Aug. 20

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has directed government offices to implement alternative work arrangements in the National Capital Region and 17 provinces on Thursday, August 20, due to the heavy rainfall associated with the southwest monsoon, or habagat.

Memorandum Circular No. 131, issued on Wednesday, covers Metro Manila as well as the provinces of Abra, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal and Occidental Mindoro.

“Unless otherwise directed by their respective Local Chief Executives, alternative learning modes for classes and learning continuity measures at all levels in public and private schools shall be implemented in the aforementioned areas,” it read.

Meanwhile, agencies involved in the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services shall continue their operations, it stated.

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Contract of service and job order workers who are under alternative work arrangements shall also be paid the corresponding wages or salaries, subject to applicable rules and regulations, the document indicated.

“Further thereto, the localized cancellation or suspension of classes and/or work in government offices in other areas may be implemented by their respective Local Chief Executives, pursuant to relevant laws, rules, and regulations,” the memorandum also noted.

The suspension of work or adoption of alternative work arrangements in the private sector shall be left to the discretion of management, said the directive. /apl