As we enter the second half of the year, the Philippines once again faces the beginning of its intense monsoon rains, the typhoon season.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, And Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) said that beginning July 2025 there are approximately 8-9 typhoons that will enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility until the month of December.
Moreover, the southwest monsoon locally known as “Habagat” also brings strong rains that cause flooding in most areas in the metropolis.
Unlike students, who often have designated suspension days, employees are expected to endure these challenges with resilience with or without typhoon work suspension. This raises an important question— What rights and aids do Filipino workers have during calamities and severe weather events?
Can Your Employer Implement Typhoon Work Suspension? Here’s What Labor Rules Say
When a typhoon closes in and heavy rains start pouring, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) ensures workers are treated fairly. As the government agency protecting Filipino workers and job seekers, DOLE rolls out clear, timely guidelines whenever PAG-ASA issues storm warnings even during the bad weather itself.
According to the Labor Advisory No. 17 issued in 2022, DOLE emphasized that private companies can actually pause work when a typhoon or bad weather hits, prioritizing the safety of its employees. Companies normally coordinate this with the designated safety officers so employees without having to risk their lives just to get to work.
But here’s where things get tricky for many employees during those stormy days.
Picture this—You inform your employer that you need to take an emergency leave due to heavy downpour resulting in flooding making a commute to work unsafe. If they say no and decline your valid request, that’s actually against the rules regarding typhoon work suspension.
The Labor Advisory No. 17 issued in 2022 says you won’t get in trouble if you “refuse to go to work” due to the real danger brought by weather disturbances.
In fact, Section 3 of the labor advisory specifies that “Employees who fail or refuse to work because of imminent danger resulting from weather disturbances and similar occurrences shall not be subject to any administrative sanction.” Companies should know this to respect workers’ rights. More importantly, to protect lives. After all, when the storm hits, it’s not just business as usual.
“We know that private companies have the discretion to suspend work, and let us not discipline those who will not be able to work. That is my reminder and appeal to our employers,” Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said in a mix of Filipino and English during a media forum at the Manila Hotel in 2022.
So, what about pay? Will you get paid if you take leave during calamities? The answer depends.
Let’s say your company has a collective bargaining agreement or favorable policy that, in times of harsh weather, you will get paid even if you don’t work, then that is good news!
However, if there is none, you can use your leave credits to get paid. What matters most is your safety and overall well-being even without the presence of a typhoon work suspension.
Now, here’s another scenario: Suppose you decide to brave the weather and go to work despite the storm. Know this— that if you work at least six (6) hours, you are entitled to get a full day’s pay. While if you spend less than six (s) hours, you will still get paid just for the hours you worked.
Calamity Assistance for Affected Employees
During the times when Mother Nature is acting up, employees need assistance, especially financial, to survive the destructive impact of strong typhoons.
Here is the list of calamity assistance programs that can help you, and how to apply (even without typhoon work suspension).
Government Calamity Loans
When the municipality where you reside declares “State of Calamity,” it is your cue that you can now apply for government calamity loans. This is the way of the government to help you ease your burden when a storm seriously damages your hometown.
Here’s the catch! You can only apply for a government calamity loan for a specific period set by the specific agency.
PAG-IBIG Calamity Loan
To see if you qualify, you need to have been contributing to PAG-IBIG for at least two years. Just keep in mind that if you currently have a salary loan, the amount you owe will be deducted from the total calamity loan you can get.
The total loan amount you will receive if you don’t have other PAG-IBIG loans is 80 percent of your total contribution
Step-by-step application:
- Create a PAG-IBIG online account. Here’s the simple step if you still don’t have an account
- Go to the Virtual PAG-IBIG website: Visit www.pagibigfundservices.com/virtualpagibig.
- Start account creation: Click the “Create Account” then “Continue” buttons.
- Choose your registration method:
- If you have a PAG-IBIG Loyalty Card Plus:
- Select “Via your Loyalty Card Plus.”
- Enter your PAG-IBIG MID number, the bank that issued your card (UnionBank or AUB), and the last 4 digits of your Loyalty Card Plus.
- Enter the one-time PIN (OTP) sent to your mobile phone via SMS.
- Provide your email address and answers to three security questions.
- Check your email for a confirmation with a temporary password.
- Create a new password and log in.
- In your Virtual PAG-IBIG dashboard, go directly to the Calamity Loan option. Choose Apply.
- Fill out the application section, then click the submit button.
- Inform your HR personnel that you are applying for a calamity loan, so they can approve it immediately.
SSS Calamity Loan
To see if you qualify for the SSS calamity loan, you need to be an active SSS member with at least 36 monthly contributions, and at least 6 of those should be within the last 12 months. Most importantly, you must live in an area declared under a state of calamity. Also, make sure you don’t have any defaulted or restructured SSS loans to be eligible.
Step-by-step application:
- Before you apply for the SSS calamity loan online, you must enroll your disbursement account first.
- Log in to your My.SSS account at www.sss.gov.ph or via the SSS mobile app.
- Navigate to Services > Disbursement Modules > Disbursement Account Enrollment Module (DAEM).
- Enroll an active PESONet-accredited bank account (e-wallet accounts may also be accepted) by uploading ID, proof of account, and a selfie.
- Wait 1-2 weeks for the bank account enrollment approval.
- Once your disbursement account is approved, you can move to the real deal: the calamity loan application.
- Log in again to My.SSS.
- Go to E-Services > Loans > Apply for Calamity Loan.
- Complete the online application form and submit.
- Monitor your My.SSS inbox and register for email or SMS for loan status updates. Processing time varies but typically takes around 10 working days.
[Related Read: The Right to Know: Your Guide to Philippine Compensation]
Employee Assistance Program During Calamities
Even though some companies in the Philippines aren’t able to directly help their employees, many still find ways to support them in their own little ways.
Bank Salary Loan
Some banks in the Philippines, such as BDO and Security Bank, offer salary loans for employees whose companies have a formal payroll account with them. These loans usually get approved more easily, and repayment is hassle-free since it’s automatically deducted from your salary. Plus, they often come with competitive interest rates that make borrowing more affordable.
Cash Advance
Companies can provide small petty cash loans, usually ranging from 3000 to 5000 pesos, to help affected employees. Repayment terms are typically easy on the budget, as the amount can be paid back via payroll deductions over the next couple of pay periods, so it doesn’t feel too heavy.
Early release of 13th-month pay
Companies trying to go the extra mile for their staff during tough times sometimes offer an early release of the 13th-month pay. It’s a big help for dealing with unexpected expenses brought on by natural calamities or emergencies. This early payout gives you a real financial boost and can ease the stress of worrying about bills or repairs.
Run a donation drive
Usually after a typhoon work suspension, employees and management come together to pool resources—cash, clothes, food, or even simple supplies—for co-workers and their families who’ve been hit hardest by natural calamities. Sometimes, companies go beyond just collecting donations and also coordinate volunteer work or distribute care packages by sharing a portion of its profits as a social responsibility. It is heartwarming to see how even small contributions, when gathered as a group, can make a huge difference in someone’s life.
Apply Now at Lahat Jobs
Rainy days can feel heavy, especially when storms disrupt our lives and work. It’s not easy to keep moving forward. If you’re staying safe indoors, worried about what’s next, Lahat Jobs is here to help you take small but meaningful steps toward fruitful opportunities. Polish your resume and scout for jobs that match your skills. Every click brings you closer to new opportunities—rain or shine. Download the Lahat Jobs app on the App Store or Google Play today. You’re not alone, and your next chance is waiting, rain or shine.
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