The Office of the President has officially issued Memorandum Circular No. 131, directing the implementation of alternative work arrangements in government offices and alternative learning delivery modes in schools across the National Capital Region (NCR) and 16 provinces on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

The circular comes upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) due to anticipated heavy rainfall, localized flooding, and travel hazards brought by the enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).

1. Scope of Coverage: Affected Regions and Provinces

Under MC No. 131, alternative arrangements apply to:

• National Capital Region (NCR)

• Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR): Abra, Benguet

• Ilocos Region (Region I): Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan

• Central Luzon (Region III): Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales

• CALABARZON (Region IV-A): Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal

• MIMAROPA: Occidental Mindoro

2. Guidelines for Work and School Operations

• Schools (All Levels, Public & Private): Alternative learning modes and learning continuity measures shall be implemented across the covered areas, unless otherwise directed by respective Local Chief Executives (LCEs).

• Government Offices: Directed to implement appropriate alternative work arrangements. However, agencies involved in basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response, and vital public operations will continue normal operations.

• COS and JO Workers: Contract of Service (COS) and Job Order (JO) personnel placed under alternative work arrangements will receive corresponding wages/salaries subject to standard accounting rules.

• Private Sector: The adoption of alternative work arrangements or work suspension remains at the discretion of individual company management.

• Local Autonomy: Local Chief Executives in areas outside this list retain authority to declare localized cancellations or suspensions as needed.

3. The Upcoming Extended Weekend Breakdown

With online modalities active on Thursday, August 20, students and government employees enter an extended holiday stretch:

• Thursday, August 20: Alternative Learning Modes / WFH for covered government units.

• Friday, August 21: Ninoy Aquino Day (Special Non-Working Holiday nationwide).

• Saturday & Sunday, August 22–23: Regular Weekend.

• Monday, August 24: National Heroes Day (Regular Holiday nationwide).

Stay safe, monitor localized weather bulletins, and secure power banks and study devices ahead of monsoon rains.