By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Portions of Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, were inundated by rain yesterday due to the presence of Tropical Depression “Maring.”
Despite Bacolod City reporting heavy flooding, City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) head Joemarie Vargas affirmed there would be no suspension of classes. However, Ramon Torres National High School in Bago City did cancel classes.
Meanwhile, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Bacolod station commander, Lt. Senior Grade Jimmy Oliver Vingno, said trips between Bacolod City and Iloilo City continued to run as no storm or gale warning was issued for the province.
According to Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the storm system was spotted 35 kilometers southeast of Infanta, Quezon at 8:00 a.m., yesterday morning.
The storm reportedly sustained winds up to 60 kilometers per hour (kph), with gusts up to 80 kph.
That same morning, PAGASA also declared a heavy rain alert for Negros Occidental, Antique, and Iloilo./WDJ