Students in Metro Manila and 13 provinces shifted away from face-to-face classes on Thursday, Sept. 10, as persistent rains brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon continued to affect parts of Luzon.
Malacañang ordered alternative learning arrangements for all levels in public and private schools through Memorandum Circular No. 135, issued upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
The directive covers the following areas:
- National Capital Region
- La Union
- Pangasinan
- Benguet
- Bataan
- Bulacan
- Pampanga
- Zambales
- Batangas
- Cavite
- Laguna
- Rizal
- Occidental Mindoro
- Oriental Mindoro
Schools in these areas were directed to implement alternative learning modes unless their respective local chief executives issued different instructions.
In Quezon City, the city government confirmed the suspension of face-to-face classes at all levels in public and private schools and said synchronous or asynchronous alternative delivery modes would be implemented.
The Palace cited continued heavy rainfall associated with the enhanced southwest monsoon and the cumulative effects of prolonged rains in ordering the alternative arrangements.
Government offices in the covered areas were also directed to implement appropriate alternative work arrangements, although agencies providing health services, disaster preparedness and response, and other vital services were expected to continue operations.
Local chief executives may still order localized class or government work suspensions in other areas depending on conditions, while decisions on work suspension or alternative arrangements in private companies remain with their respective management.