Photo courtesy of House of Representatives of the Philippines/Facebook.
The House of Representatives will shift its officials and employees to a work-from-home arrangement starting at 12 noon Thursday, Sept. 10, as government offices adjust operations because of persistent rains brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon.
House Secretary General Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil announced the arrangement in an advisory issued pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 135 from the Office of the President.
Personnel whose physical presence is necessary to maintain essential and critical operations will continue reporting onsite, subject to the determination of their respective department heads.
The House also advised its personnel to exercise caution and prioritize their safety and well-being amid the prevailing weather conditions.
The arrangement forms part of broader government measures covering Metro Manila and 13 provinces where Malacañang ordered government offices to adopt appropriate alternative work arrangements on Sept. 10.
The areas covered are La Union, Pangasinan, Benguet, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Zambales, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro, in addition to the National Capital Region.
The Palace directive followed a recommendation from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council because of continued heavy rainfall associated with the enhanced southwest monsoon and the cumulative effects of prolonged rains. Agencies handling health, disaster response and other vital services were ordered to maintain operations.
Alternative learning arrangements were likewise ordered for public and private schools at all levels in the covered areas unless their respective local chief executives direct otherwise. Private companies, meanwhile, may decide whether to suspend work or implement alternative arrangements