• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Classes in all levels, both public and private schools, remain suspended Sept. 17 in Bacolod City and in most of cities and towns in Negros Occidental, still due to heavy rainfall forecast, with the southwest monsoon enhanced by Tropical Depression Gener and Tropical Storm Pulasan.
Mayor Alfredo Benitez announced tonight that “due to the forecast of heavy to intense rain tomorrow, Sept. 17, classes from pre-elementary to senior high school in both public and private institutions in Bacolod are suspended.”
The decision for college-level classes is left to the discretion of individual schools, Benitez said as he urged students to “continue to attend asynchronous classes if scheduled.”
In Cadiz, classes from pre-school to senior high school, also remain suspended, both public and private, Sept. 17. “Residents in areas at risk of storm surges, floods, and landslides are advised to follow evacuation and safety instructions from CDRRMO and local authorities.”
In Bago, Mayor Nicholas Yulo extended the suspension of classes until Sept. 18.
Joe Recalex Alingasa Jr., San Carlos City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management officer, announced the class suspension. “Learners shall proceed with the approved alternative mode of learning as prescribed by the Department of Education. (For) concerned (school) employees, (it) shall be under the discretion and guidance of their respective heads…”
In Silay, Mayor Joedith Gallego said the extended class suspension will also include teachers and school workers.
Mayor Daph Reliquias of Hinoba-an also suspended in-person classes and work of teaching and nonteaching personnel.
Mayor Marvin Malacon directed a shift to modular modality of learning, in all levels, both public and private schools, in the municipality of E. B. Magalona. “Work in government offices, however, shall continue tomorrow, Sept. 17.”
As of press time, other local government units that extended the cancellation of classes were Talisay, Victorias, Binalbagan, Don Salvador Benedicto, Pulupandan, Moises Padilla, San Enrique, Sipalay, Himamaylan, Isabela, and Pontevedra.
As early as Sept. 15, La Carlota and Murcia announced the suspension of classes for Sept. 16 and 17.
In La Castellana, Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor Mangilimutan extended the suspension of classes due to the Mount Kanlaon unrest, and urged schools to shift to modular learning modalities. | CGC
