Manila, Aug. 17 -- Government offices in the National Capital Region (NCR) and 12 provinces will shift to appropriate alternative work arrangements starting at noon Monday, amid continued heavy rains associated with the southwest monsoon (habagat).

Under Memorandum Circular No. 127, issued by Malacanang upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the measure covers Metro Manila and the provinces of Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Laguna, Quezon, and Occidental Mindoro.

The circular cited the heavy rainfall warnings issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) amid continuing rains.

Gover...