Classes and government operations in Metro Manila and at least 10 other Luzon provinces were suspended for Tuesday, July 22, as heavy rains from the southwest monsoon battered the region, triggering flooding fears and public safety concerns.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) made the announcement late Monday, confirming that schools at all levels and government offices would be shut down in Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Tarlac, and Zambales.
Local officials began issuing their own declarations even before the national guidance, citing persistent rainfall and worsening flood conditions. The closures aim to minimize travel-related hazards and give local governments space to respond to the expected deluge.
Private sector left to decide on work suspensions
The DILG clarified that the decision to suspend work in private companies and offices rests with individual business leaders. Employers were advised to closely monitor weather updates and prioritize the safety of their staff.
Many private companies in Metro Manila already shifted to remote work setups by Monday evening. Some business owners, especially those operating in flood-prone zones like Malabon and Marikina, immediately implemented precautionary work-from-home arrangements.
Office workers expressed relief on social media, with many saying they feared being stranded during their commutes or caught in flash floods.
PAGASA: Two low pressure areas monitored inside PAR
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that the habagat would continue to bring moderate to heavy rains over large parts of Luzon until Tuesday noon. Flooding and landslides remain possible in low-lying and mountainous areas.
Adding to the growing weather threat, PAGASA is tracking two low pressure areas (LPAs) within the Philippine Area of Responsibility. One LPA was located 1,140 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon as of 3 a.m. Monday.
Meteorologists noted that the LPA has a medium potential of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours. Should this intensify, it may worsen the southwest monsoon or evolve into a full-blown storm.
The second LPA remains weak but is being monitored for possible interaction with the habagat system currently affecting Luzon.
Luzon bracing for more rains, floods, and disruptions
By Monday afternoon, large sections of Metro Manila already experienced flooding. In Quezon City, ankle-deep waters were reported in Project 4, Commonwealth, and Araneta Avenue. Some residents took to TikTok and Facebook to document floodwaters rushing into alleys and roads.
In Valenzuela and Caloocan, parents rushed to pick up children from afternoon classes after hearing early chatter of a possible suspension.
In Cavite, rising waters prompted barangay officials in Bacoor and Imus to activate emergency response teams by mid-afternoon. Zambales, Pampanga, and Tarlac likewise reported scattered power outages due to lightning strikes from intense thunderstorms.
Class suspensions earlier declared in some areas on July 21
Several local government units preemptively suspended classes and public services on Monday due to heavy rain. Among them were Laguna, Bulacan, and portions of Batangas and Rizal.
The early declarations helped limit the number of stranded commuters but did not prevent traffic snarls in EDSA and other major roads as residents rushed home.
Authorities also temporarily closed portions of MacArthur Highway in Pangasinan and Bataan after water levels breached danger zones. The Department of Public Works and Highways dispatched clearing crews to monitor affected roadways.
Disaster response units on high alert
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said all regional disaster units have been placed on blue alert. Search and rescue assets, including rubber boats and amphibious vehicles, have been deployed to flood-prone cities.
Local government units were instructed to inspect drainage systems, activate barangay emergency protocols, and prepare for possible evacuation orders.
The Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fire Protection were also ordered to monitor waterways and offer assistance in flood-stricken zones.
Air travel and sea trips also affected
The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) confirmed that several domestic flights scheduled for Tuesday morning have been delayed or canceled due to poor visibility and strong winds.
Passengers bound for Visayas and Mindanao are advised to check with airlines before proceeding to the airport. Ferry trips from Batangas Port and Manila North Harbor were also suspended due to rough sea conditions.
The Philippine Ports Authority warned travelers of further disruptions should the LPAs escalate into a tropical storm.
Farmers and fisherfolk brace for losses
In northern Luzon, rice farmers in Pangasinan and Nueva Ecija are preparing for potential crop damage. Rainfall from the habagat has already soaked rice paddies, which could ruin recently planted seedlings if water levels continue to rise.
Fishermen in Occidental Mindoro and Batangas opted to stay ashore Monday night, citing dangerous sea conditions. Several fishing communities have temporarily lost income as a result of the ongoing storm activity.
July 22 seen as just the beginning of longer storm season
Weather experts warned that the habagat pattern seen this week may be part of a longer, wetter than usual monsoon season due to current El Niño–La Niña transition. This raises the likelihood of more flooding events in the coming weeks, even if the LPAs dissipate.
The forecast has sparked renewed calls for enhanced disaster resilience programs, especially in highly urbanized areas like Metro Manila, where informal settlements are often located in flood zones.
Residents are encouraged to remain alert, conserve mobile battery power, stock up on basic supplies, and closely follow official advisories as rainfall continues to intensify across Luzon.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.