Negros Oriental Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria declared the suspension of classes at all levels in public and private schools beginning today due to the enhanced southwest monsoon and Severe Tropical Storm “Opong” (international name “Bualoi”).

Sagarbarria issued Executive Order 22, series of 2025, yesterday afternoon, noting that some parts of the province are already experiencing heavy rainfall.

“All educational institutions are hereby enjoined to strictly comply with this order and to undertake the necessary measures to protect the lives and welfare of their learners, teaching staff and school personnel,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) is on high alert as “Opong” may alter its course and impact the province while approaching landmass.

PDRRMO chief Adrian Sedillo said the DRRMOs in the towns and cities are also on standby alert to ensure the safety of the people.

“While we may not be directly affected by ‘Opong,’ its outer rainband is huge as seen through weather forecasts and is expected to bring rains to areas outside its projected track,” Sedillo said.

As of 4:00 p.m. Severe Tropical Storm “Opong” was last tracked 195 kilometers east northeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar or 225 kilometers east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar.

It had maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 135 kph, and was moving westward at 15 kph.

The southwest monsoon is affecting Palawan, the rest of the Visayas, and Mindanao.

An advisory from weather bureau Pagasa also stated that Negros Oriental is categorized under a yellow rainfall warning, with 50 to 100 millimeters of rain expected today, and localized flooding and landslides are possible. (PNA)