By Nanette Guadalquiver – PNA News
BACOLOD CITY — A number of cities and municipalities in Negros Occidental, including this city, suspended classes on Tuesday amid the possible threats to lives and properties due to Tropical Depression Samuel.
As of 8 a.m., Tropical Cycle Warning Signal No. 1 remained hoisted in Western Visayas, including Negros Occidental, based on the weather bulletin of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
In Bacolod, Mayor Evelio Leonardia declared the suspension of pre-school classes in both public and private schools.
Leonardia made the announcement late Monday night after meeting with officials of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the Department of Education Division of Bacolod City.
Silay City, under Mayor Mark Golez, also suspended classes in pre-school, while Bago City, headed by Mayor Nicholas Yulo, have no classes in both pre-school and elementary levels.
In Talisay City, Mayor Nilo Jesus Antonio Lizares III ordered the suspension of classes from pre-school to high school.
In San Carlos City, where “Samuel” is expected to make a landfall on Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Gerardo Valmayor suspended classes in pre-school and elementary school levels on Tuesday.
Some local government units (LGUs) declared the suspension of classes in all levels on Tuesday while others suspended classes until Wednesday.
Also on Tuesday, classes have been suspended in both pre-school and elementary levels in E.B. Magalona as well as in Valladolid and Binalbagan.
In La Castellana and Toboso, classes in all levels have been suspended.
Calatrava also declared the suspension of classes in all levels only on Wednesday.
Both the cities of Victorias and Cadiz suspended classes on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Victorias, headed by Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca, declared the suspension of classes from pre-school to elementary levels only while Cadiz, led by Mayor Patrick Escalante, have no classes from pre-school to high school for two days.
Executive Order No. 66, Series of 2012 issued by Malacañang states that in the absence of a typhoon signal warning, the localized cancellation or suspension of classes in both public and private schools and work in government offices may be implemented by the local chief executive in his/her capacity as chairperson of the local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
