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Martin Ramos - Philstar.com
August 28, 2026 | 1:13pm
Pedestrians struggle with their umbrellas against strong winds during a sudden heavy downpour in Quezon City on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026.
The STAR / Miguel de Guzman
MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang announced the suspension of government work and classes at all levels in public and private schools in Metro Manila and 16 provinces starting 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, as heavy rains from the southwest monsoon persist.
In a news release, the Presidential Communications Office said Executive Secretary Ralph Recto issued Memorandum Circular No. 132 upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
The suspension covers:
- National Capital Region
- Abra
- Benguet
- Ilocos Sur
- La Union
- Pangasinan
- Bataan
- Bulacan
- Nueva Ecija
- Pampanga
- Tarlac
- Zambales
- Batangas
- Cavite
- Rizal
- Oriental Mindoro
- Occidental Mindoro
The suspension was ordered due to the expected further enhancement of the southwest monsoon, or habagat, by a low pressure area that has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility, Malacañang said.
Government agencies providing basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response, and other vital services will continue to operate, it added.
It also directs local chief executives to suspend classes or government work in their respective areas depending on local conditions.
For the private sector, the suspension of work or adoption of alternative work arrangements will be left to management.
Heavy rains over Luzon. The suspension comes as the southwest monsoon, or habagat, continues to bring heavy rain over large parts of Luzon.
PAGASA earlier said Metro Manila, the Ilocos Region, parts of Central Luzon, Calabarzon and Occidental Mindoro may experience heavy rain Friday.
La Union, Benguet, Bataan, Zambales and Occidental Mindoro may receive 100 to 200 millimeters of rain, while Metro Manila and several other provinces could receive 50 to 100 mm.
PAGASA warned that rainfall could be heavier in mountainous and elevated areas, while flooding and landslide risks may be worsened in places already saturated by previous rains.
