NEGROS ORIENTAL—In response to persistent heavy rains and flooding, the provincial government of Negros Oriental has suspended all educational activities and governmental work for Friday. The directive, issued by Governor Manuel Sagarbarria through Executive Order 51, impacts both private and public institutions across all levels.
According to the Philippines News Agency, the decision follows a series of local preemptive class suspensions that began as early as Thursday, as the region grapples with worsening weather conditions. In Siaton town, approximately 500 individuals sought refuge in the town gymnasium on Thursday evening after local rivers overflowed and residential areas were flooded. Adrian Sedillo, head of the Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), noted that earlier in the day, residents in Zamboanguita also evacuated but returned once the floodwaters receded.
Sedillo emphasized the stretched resources of local emergency response teams, necessitating broader support across the affected areas. "We have to help the local DRRMOs as there are not enough emergency responders in these areas," Sedillo explained, highlighting the ongoing efforts to monitor and respond to the situation.
The PDRRMO has been proactive in its approach, continuing preemptive evacuations and closely monitoring river levels as the heavy downpour persists. Sedillo reassured that, so far, there have been no casualties reported, though there has been notable damage to property and agricultural interests.
In Negros Occidental, similar preventative measures have been taken, with nearly all local government units, including Bacolod City, suspending face-to-face classes. Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez of Bacolod announced cancellations affecting pre-school to senior high school levels, leaving decisions for the college level to individual institutions. Notably, the University of St. La Salle and the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos have also suspended classes, with the former shifting to asynchronous learning for college students.
The region's educational disruptions are further compounded in La Castellana town, where classes have been halted since September 10 due to increased seismic activities from Mt. Kanlaon.
Amid these challenges, the Philippine Army has mobilized its disaster response task units (DRTUs) from the 303rd Infantry Brigade and other battalions, prepared to assist as the situation develops. The readiness of these units is crucial as they brace not only for the current adverse weather but also for potential impacts from Mount Kanlaon, which remains under Alert Level 2, and Tropical Storm 'Bebinca' which is expected to intensify the southwest monsoon.