Some 298 public schools in selected provinces and municipalities in Western Visayas (Region 6) have shifted to an alternative delivery mode (ADM) of learning as a precautionary measure against the possible effects of Typhoon “Betty”-enhanced monsoon rains this week.

“We are in close coordination with the local government units to ensure the safety of the learners and personnel as well. We adhere to their recommendation,” Department of Education (DepEd) in Western Visayas information officer Hernani Escullar, Jr. said in an interview on Monday, May 29.

He said that the local government units are the ones calling the shots since no typhoon signals had been hoisted over Western Visayas.

Otherwise, Department Order 37, series of 2022, containing the guidelines on the cancellation of in-person classes will prevail if the occurrence of natural calamities falls within its provisions, he said.

DepEd data showed that 47 schools in Antique have shifted to ADM, 48 in Iloilo, and 203 in Negros Occidental.

The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), in an advisory released on Monday, said that the enhanced southwest monsoon rains are expected to result in flooding and rain-induced landslides, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to hazards and have been experiencing considerable amounts of rainfall for the past several days.

“Considering these developments, the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices are advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property. Persons living in areas identified to be highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards are advised to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials,” Civil Defense officer-in-charge and RDRRMC chairperson Ma. Aletha Nogra said in an advisory. (PNA)