By CESAR JOLITO III
Malacañang has announced the suspension of classes and government work in Negros Occidental and 36 other provinces today due to the persistent heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon or habagat, intensified by recent weather disturbances.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the Palace issued Memorandum Circular No. 90, ordering the suspension of classes at all levels, both public and private, as well as work in government offices across 30 provinces, including Negros Occidental.
Other areas covered by the circular are Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Zambales, Tarlac, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Quezon, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Masbate, Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Palawan, Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, and Laguna.
Government agencies that deliver essential, health and disaster-response services will continue to operate to ensure public safety and emergency response.
Private companies, meanwhile, are left to the discretion of their management to suspend work based on the weather situation.
In Bacolod City, Mayor Greg Gasataya confirmed that the city will follow the suspension directive from the national government.
While there are no additional local suspension orders issued, residents are advised to monitor official announcements for updates, especially if weather conditions worsen.
Local authorities continue to remind residents to take precautionary measures against flooding, possible landslides and other hazards associated with heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, the Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council raised blue alert status effective 5:00 p.m. yesterday, due to the development of Tropical Depression “Dante.”
The state weather bureau said “Dante” was spotted 1,120 kilometers east of Northern Luzon as of 2:00 p.m. yesterday, and moving north-northwest at 20 kilometers per hour (kph).
It packed a maximum wind speed of 45 kph and gustiness of up to 55 kph.
There is a low probability that “Dante” will make landfall, but it will enhance habagat that will bring rain in many parts of the country./CJ, WDJ