At least three towns in Negros Oriental and the entire province of Siquijor suspended classes yesterday due to heavy rains.

Mayor Jonah Pat Aviles of Negros Oriental’s Zamboanguita town, issued an executive order as early as Sunday, May 28, declaring the suspension of classes at all levels, both private and public, due to heavy rains and possible flooding in the coming days.

Mayor Fritz Diaz of Siaton town issued a similar order, while Mayor Galicano Truita of Dauin town gave verbal instructions at the start of the day for class suspension.

While Negros Oriental and Siquijor are not directly in the path of Typhoon “Betty,” weather forecasters said habagat (southwest monsoon) will be enhanced, causing moderate to heavy rains.

In Siquijor, Governor Jake Vincent Villa declared a province-wide cancellation of classes following suspension in three of six municipalities in the island-province — Maria, Lazi and San Juan towns.

Meanwhile, Marlo Quilnet, head of the Negros Oriental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said they have deployed heavy equipment and trucks to flood and landslide-prone areas, especially in the south. (PNA)