In 7 towns, cities: Classes suspended

CEBU, Philippines —  At least seven local government units in Cebu Province have declared a suspension of classes today, May 26, as a precautionary measure due to the possible effects of the incoming super typhoon Mawar.

 The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the typhoon is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility either today or tomorrow.

It will not, however, directly affect Central Visayas but it is expected to bring in heavy rains that may cause flashfloods and landslides prompting some local chief executives to suspend classes.

As of 5 pm yesterday, May 25, 2023, the LGUs that have suspended classes today include Argao, Alcoy, Consolacion, San Fernando, Minglanilla, Naga, and Talisay.

Minglanilla Mayor Rajiv Enad said the suspension of classes applies in all levels until tomorrow, May 27.

Naga City Mayor Valdemar Chiong said his decision to suspend classes until further notice or until weather condition improves was upon the recommendation of the city disaster council.

“Ang suspension of classes base sa recommendation sa City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) aron masiguro ang safety sa mga students ug teaching staff sa mga potential risk ug mga hazard nga dala sa bati nga panahon tungod sa umaabot nga bagyo,” Chiong said.

Effective yesterday afternoon, classes in San Fernando were suspended by Mayor Mytha Ann Canoy. The suspension will last until today.

Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony Gullas also suspended the holding of face-to-face classes today. Students, however, were given a learning module to work on while staying at home for today.

Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura also declared a suspension of classes yesterday after his town was placed under orange rainfall warning.  As of last night no follow up announcement was made whether the suspension of classes will continue today.

In Ginatilan, Mayor Roy Vincent Singco ordered a temporary closure of all tourist spots in the town on Saturday until further notice due to the anticipated inclement weather.

Meanwhile, Mayor Michael Rama is giving school principals and administrators the discretion to decide whether or not to suspend classes today.

 “Naa naman koy executive order ana…It behooves upon…it’s already incumbent upon principals, school owners…if in their judgment, it is already causing too much trouble, then they can do it on their own…But wala bay signal no.1?..naa ba?” said Rama.

The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CCDRMO) did not recommend a suspension of classes today considering that the super typhoon will not have a direct effect here.

The city government, however, postponed two big events scheduled for this weekend-- the Watsons Race for Wellness run on Saturday and the Southside Rhythm Fest featuring Parokya ni Edgar.

Based on CCDRMO’s monitoring, the incoming typhoon will not affect Cebu. It will, however, enhance the southwest monsoon or habagat.

“Dili ra ta maaffected sa Cebu…dili sad siya moagi sa atoa…But ang atoa lang gyud is the southwest monsoon…With this super typhoon, it will just increase or enhance the southwest monsoon based on the monitoring,” said Renzo del Rosario, data management chief of CCDRMO.

“Wala tay hangin, but uwan ang atoa ana…So we prepare for flooding and landslide,” said CCDRMO chief Harold Alcontin.

Localized thunderstorms are also expected today just like yesterday.

Super typhoon Mawar was last spotted at 2,150 kilometers east of southern Luzon. It is forecast to enter the PAR tonight or in the early hours of Saturday.- Le Phyllis F. Antojado, FPL (FREEMAN)