#WalangPasok: Class suspensions for Thursday, August 20, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – (Updated as of 6:50 PM, August 19, 2026) Malacañang has directed the implementation of alternative learning modes and learning continuity measures for classes at all levels in public and private schools in the National Capital Region (NCR) and 17 provinces on Thursday, August 20, 2026, due to the effects of the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).

Pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 131, the directive covers the following areas:

• National Capital Region (NCR)
• Abra
• Benguet
• Ilocos Norte
• Ilocos Sur
• La Union
• Pangasinan
• Bataan
• Bulacan
• Nueva Ecija
• Pampanga
• Tarlac
• Zambales
• Batangas
• Cavite
• Laguna
• Rizal
• Occidental Mindoro

Unless otherwise directed by their respective local chief executives, schools in these areas shall implement alternative learning modes and learning continuity measures for classes at all levels.

Government offices in the affected areas are likewise directed to implement appropriate alternative work arrangements on August 20.

Agencies involved in the delivery of basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response, and other vital services will continue their operations and provide necessary services.

Contract of Service (COS) and Job Order (JO) workers placed under alternative work arrangements shall continue to receive their corresponding wages or salaries, subject to applicable rules and regulations.

For the private sector, the suspension of work or adoption of alternative work arrangements will be left to the discretion of management.

Class suspensions on Thursday, August 20, 2026

Several local government units (LGUs) also announced class suspensions for Thursday. This list will be updated as soon as local or national authorities issue additional advisories.

Calabarzon

• Laguna
• Biñan – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to alternative modes of learning

Central Luzon

• Pampanga
• Macabebe – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to alternative modes of learning
• Santo Tomas – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to alternative modes of learning
• San Simon – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to alternative modes of learning

Schools

• University of Sto. Tomas – Enhanced Virtual Mode of Instruction on Thursday, August 20 and Saturday, August 22. Remote work arrangements on Aug. 20 and 22. No classes and office work on Friday, August 21, in commemoration of Ninoy Aquino Day.

Habagat to bring heavy rains over parts of Luzon, Mindoro

The southwest monsoon or habagat will continue to bring heavy rains over parts of Luzon and Mindoro, PAGASA said Wednesday.

From Wednesday to Thursday noon (August 19-20), Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro may receive 100 to 200 millimeters of rain. Metro Manila and several other areas may receive 50 to 100 millimeters.

From Thursday noon to Friday noon (August 20-21), Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, and Bataan may receive 50 to 100 millimeters of rain.

Residents in affected areas are advised to remain alert for possible flooding and landslides, especially in areas that have already received significant rainfall.

Automatic Class Suspensions

The Department of Education (DepEd), through DepEd Order No. 14, s. 2026, provides guidelines for class suspensions during emergencies. School heads are empowered to coordinate with Schools Division Superintendents and Local Government Units (LGUs) in determining appropriate class suspensions based on actual conditions in their respective communities.

The policy allows for granular class suspensions, meaning only affected schools, classrooms, or grade levels may be suspended when necessary instead of imposing division-wide cancellations. It also provides guidance on appropriate learning delivery modes before, during, and after emergencies to ensure continuity of education.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS)

HAYO (Continue)

• Regular face-to-face classes continue when there is no heavy rainfall, flooding, or tropical cyclone threat.

HINAY (Ease-in)

• TCWS No. 1: Kindergarten classes are automatically suspended.
• TCWS No. 2: Kindergarten to Grade 10 classes are automatically suspended.

HINGA (Check-in)

• TCWS No. 3: Work, Alternative Learning System (ALS), and in-person classes at all levels are automatically suspended.

HINTO (Stop)

• TCWS No. 4 or 5: Work, ALS, and in-person classes at all levels are automatically suspended.

Heavy Rainfall Warning

HAYO (Continue)

• Regular face-to-face classes continue when there is no heavy rainfall, flooding, or tropical cyclone threat.

HINAY (Ease-in)

• Yellow Rainfall Warning: Class suspensions may be implemented per grade level at the discretion of the Local Chief Executive (LCE) or other relevant national government agencies.

HINGA (Check-in)

• Orange Rainfall Warning: Work, ALS, and in-person classes at all levels are automatically suspended.

HINTO (Stop)

• Red Rainfall Warning: Work, ALS, and in-person classes at all levels are automatically suspended.

— The Summit Express