MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has directed government offices in the National Capital Region and the provinces of Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Laguna, Quezon, and Occidental Mindoro to shift to alternative work arrangements starting at 12 noon on Monday due to the heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon, or habagat.