Classes in all levels suspended today

MANILA, Philippines - Classes in private and public schools in Metro Manila and nearby provinces are suspended today in anticipation of powerful winds and heavy rain brought by Typhoon Glenda.

Classes in all levels are suspended in Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig and Valenzuela, and in the lone municipality of Pateros.

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada told The STAR that operations at the Manila City Hall would continue as only classes are suspended. Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez announced the class suspension after a meeting with officials of the city disaster office.

So did Pasay City Mayor Antonino Calixto.

Outside the metropolis, the local governments of Angono and San Mateo in Rizal, Antipolo City, Cavite and Balagtas and Malolos City in Bulacan also suspended classes in all levels today.

In Binangonan, Rizal, only pre-school to high school levels were cancelled.

When storm signal no. 1 is raised, classes in kindergarten and pre-school are suspended. The suspension extends to elementary and high school levels when signal no. 2 is raised. Signal no. 3 cancels classes in all levels.

In the absence of a typhoon signal, local chief executives may declare class and work suspension in government offices.

Glenda is expected to pass through the provinces of Cavite, Rizal and Bulacan. As of 2:30 p.m. yesterday, Metro Manila, Cavite, Rizal and Bulacan were under storm signal no. 2

In Cotabato City, local officials suspended classes in elementary and high school due to continuous rains since 3 a.m. yesterday. Barangay officials were worried that floodwaters might rise once rivers overflow and spread through riverside enclaves where thousands of Muslim and Christian villagers reside.

The provincial government of Maguindanao and the Army’s 6th Infantry Division are monitoring the water level in rivers and swamps that connect to Liguasan Delta. – Jose Rodel Clapano, Mike Frialde, Perseus Echeminada, Rey Galupo, Dino Balabo, John Unson