Malacañang has issued Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 123, authorizing work-from-home (WFH) arrangements for government personnel and alternative learning modes for students across Metro Manila and 15 surrounding provinces on Monday, August 10, 2026, due to persistent heavy rainfall brought by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).
Signed by Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto by authority of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., MC No. 123 was enacted following recommendations from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to ensure public safety and minimize disruption to services during severe weather conditions.
-
Government Work Arrangements: Mandatory shift to WFH arrangements for national government agencies in the National Capital Region (NCR) and the following 15 provinces:
-
Luzon / Central Luzon / Ilocos / CAR: Abra, Bataan, Benguet, Bulacan, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Tarlac, and Zambales.
-
CALABARZON / MIMAROPA: Batangas, Cavite, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, and Rizal.
-
-
School Class Suspensions & Alternative Learning: All public and private schools at all levels in the covered areas are directed to shift to alternative learning modes (online or modular classes) for August 10, unless otherwise decided by their respective local chief executives (LCEs).
-
Discretion for Private Sector: Private companies and offices may adopt work-from-home or adjust working schedules at the discretion of their respective management heads.
-
Localized Adjustments: Local chief executives retain full authority to order localized work suspensions or class cancellations in areas outside the specified list based on ground conditions.
To ensure uninterrupted public safety and essential utilities, Malacañang emphasized that front-line agencies remain exempt from work suspension. Government entities involved in the following sectors are directed to maintain full operational readiness and render necessary services:
-
Emergency preparedness, disaster management, and rescue response
-
Health, medical, and basic public service delivery
-
Critical utilities and vital government functions
