MANILA, Philippines – (Updated as of 8:17 PM, August 18, 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 Wednesday, August 19, 2026, due to the effects of the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).
Pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 129, the directive covers the following areas:
- National Capital Region (NCR)
- Abra
- Benguet
- Ilocos Sur
- La Union
- Pangasinan
- Bataan
- Bulacan
- Nueva Ecija
- Pampanga
- Tarlac
- Zambales
- Batangas
- Cavite
- Laguna
- Rizal
- Occidental Mindoro
- Oriental 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 19.
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.
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 August 19, 2026
Several local government units (LGUs) also announced class suspensions for Wednesday. This list will be updated as soon as local or national authorities issue additional advisories.
Metro Manila
- Marikina City – all levels, public and private
Calabarzon
- Batangas
- Agoncillo – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to modular distance learning
- Batangas City – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to modular distance learning
- Balayan – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to modular distance learning
- Balete– no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to modular distance learning
- Bauan – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to modular distance learning
- Calaca City – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to modular distance learning
- Calatagan – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to modular distance learning
- Cuenca – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to modular distance learning
- Lemery – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to modular distance learning
- Lian – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to modular distance learning
- Lobo – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to modular distance learning
- Mabini – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to modular distance learning
- Nasugbu – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to modular distance learning
- Rosario – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to modular distance learning
- San Jose – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to modular distance learning
- San Luis – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to modular distance learning
- San Nicolas – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to modular distance learning
- San Pascual – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to modular distance learning
- Sta. Teresita – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to modular distance learning
- Taal – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to modular distance learning
- Taysan – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to modular distance learning
- Tingloy – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to modular distance learning
- Tuy – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to modular distance learning
Central Luzon
- Pampanga
- Santo Tomas – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to alternative modes of learning; until Thursday, August 20
- San Simon – no face-to-face classes, all levels, public and private; shift to alternative modes of learning; until Thursday, August 20
Schools
- Adamson University – classes at all levels will remain in online synchronous mode; Offices will resume onsite operations
- University of Sto. Tomas (UST) – no classes in all levels and office work on August 19; 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.
- University of the East Manila and Caloocan – K to 12 and Colleges: shift to asynchronous classes; College of Law and College of Dentistry Classes and Clinic: Online Synchronous; Graduate School: Online Synchronous or Asynchronous, at the discretion of the faculty
Habagat to bring heavy rains over parts of Luzon, Visayas
MANILA, Philippines – The southwest monsoon or habagat will continue to bring heavy rains over parts of Luzon and Visayas, PAGASA said Tuesday.
From Tuesday to Wednesday noon, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, and Occidental Mindoro may receive 100 to 200 millimeters of rain. Metro Manila and several other areas may receive 50 to 100 millimeters.
From Wednesday noon to Thursday noon, Benguet, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro may receive 100 to 200 millimeters, while other areas may get 50 to 100 millimeters.
Meanwhile, PAGASA is monitoring LPA 08f inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), which has a high chance of developing into a tropical depression within 24 hours.
Another LPA outside the PAR also has a high chance of development, while a tropical depression is likewise being monitored outside the PAR.
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.
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