By Nanette Guadalquiver / Philippine News Agency
Local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, have canceled work and classes starting Thursday (Dec. 16) due to Typhoon Odette.
As of 11:00 a.m., the southern and central portions of Negros Occidental have been placed under tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) No. 3, based on the latest bulletin of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia issued Executive Order No. 61 suspending work in all city government offices as well as in-person classes here starting noon Thursday until Friday.
“With the expected strong winds and heavy downpour which can endanger individuals and may cause severe flooding in the city, there is a need to ensure the safety and well-being of the people of Bacolod,” he said.
At the Alangilan National High School, limited face-to-face classes were canceled.
Leonardia said he ordered a pre-emptive evacuation of residents in high-risk areas, if necessary.
The city government has prepared at least 373 classrooms as evacuation centers.
On Dec. 15, Leonardia inspected the city’s rescue equipment, including ambulances and trucks, as well as the standby generator sets that will be deployed to the evacuation centers.
In neighboring Murcia town, Mayor Victor Gerardo Rojas suspended work and classes starting 9:00 a.m. on Thursday up to 11:59 p.m. on Friday.
In Silay City, Mayor Mark Golez ordered the cancellation of work in all government and private offices and classes in all levels from midnight Thursday to 11:59 p.m. on Saturday.
Bago City Mayor Nicholas Yulo issued a similar directive, taking effect from Thursday noon until Friday.
In Himamaylan City, Mayor Raymund Tongson reminded his constituents to stay alert as he ordered the suspension of work and classes from midnight Thursday to 11:59 p.m. on Friday.
San Carlos City Mayor Renato Gustilo also ordered the suspension of work in all government and private offices, including business establishments, as well as classes in all levels from Thursday noon to Friday. (PNA) – jlo
