Heavy rain threat prompts class suspensions in Batangas, Laguna

LUCENA CITY, Quezon – Several cities and municipalities in Batangas and Laguna suspended classes at all levels in public and private schools on Wednesday amid the threat of heavy rains from Tropical Depression Henry.

In Batangas, the class suspensions were called in four cities and 26 municipalities.

The class suspensions came after Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto, chairperson of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), advised local chief executives to assess conditions in their respective areas and, if necessary, order the suspension of classes.

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READ: Pagasa: LPA develops into Tropical Depression Henry

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In an advisory posted Tuesday afternoon, the Batangas Public Information Office (PIO) said the province is expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall from Tuesday night until Wednesday morning, based on the latest forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

The PIO quoted Santos-Recto as telling local chief executives: “As governor and chairperson of the PDRRMC, you are hereby advised and given the discretion to determine whether the suspension of classes in your respective localities is necessary as early as possible, based on the actual volume of rainfall and prevailing conditions.”

The provincial government also reminded local officials that decisions on class suspensions should be based on actual weather conditions in their respective areas.

“Preemptive evacuation in low-lying areas is also suggested, if necessary, to avoid injuries to our constituents,” the advisory added.

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The PIO also announced the suspension of sea travel on the Batangas–Oriental Mindoro and Batangas–Romblon routes because of the prevailing weather conditions.

READ: Heavy rainfall forecast over 3 provinces due to Henry, habagat

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Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Calabarzon reported that 13 local government units in Laguna province also suspended face-to-face classes at all levels in public schools on Wednesday. Schools in the affected areas shifted to online learning.

Under Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 37, series of 2022, face-to-face and online classes at all levels are automatically suspended whenever Pagasa raises a tropical cyclone wind signal, issues an orange or red rainfall warning, or declares a flood warning over an area.

The order also requires schools to suspend classes if any of these warnings or signals are issued while classes are already in session.

In addition to the automatic suspension policy, local chief executives may also suspend classes in their jurisdictions when weather conditions warrant it.

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In its Tuesday evening weather bulletin, Pagasa said the LPA east of Oriental Mindoro would continue to bring overcast skies, scattered rains, and thunderstorms over Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, the Bicol region, and large parts of the Visayas on Wednesday./coa