Philippines suspends face-to-face classes in 12 provinces due to weather

The Philippine government suspended face-to-face classes in Metro Manila and 12 other provinces as heavy rain from a tropical cyclone and the southwest monsoon continued to batter the country, local media reported on Monday (17/8).

Under Memorandum Circular No. 127 issued by the Philippine Presidential Office on Monday, schools and government agencies in affected areas were instructed to implement alternative work arrangements, except for frontline services such as health, disaster response, and other essential functions.

At least 50 cities and areas have declared a state of calamity, with Pampanga and Cavite placing all their municipalities under such status, according to the Philippine Office of Civil Defense.

Extreme heavy rain has triggered severe flooding and landslides across the country.

Well-known corruption scandals related to flood control have left critical infrastructure unfinished or poorly maintained, further burdening disaster response efforts in the country, local media said.