Negros Oriental suspended government work and all classes yesterday and today as the province prepares for Tropical Storm Basyang.
Governor Manuel Sagarbarria said the provincial disaster council is preparing for a worst-case scenario, with manpower, food packs, and equipment prepositioned.
During a council meeting Feb. 5, he clarified that the province cannot mandate private sector closures.
“Our authority is just limited to the government. Thus, it is up to the management of the private sector companies and establishments to make the decision to cancel work (today),” Sagarbarria said in a Philippine News Agency report.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 has been raised over the capital Dumaguete and parts of central and southern Negros Oriental.
The weather bureau forecast heavy rainfall of 50 mm. to 100 mm. today, warning of possible flooding and landslides.
Police, coast guard, army, and fire protection personnel are on standby for disaster response. Public hospitals are prepared as emergency charging stations, and family food packs have been prepositioned.
The governor urged residents in vulnerable areas to heed calls for preemptive evacuation.
During the meeting, concerned agencies presented updates on the status and possible impacts of “Basyang”. The Council also revisited the Risk, Investment, and Losses (RILs), particularly in flood-prone areas, to strengthen mitigation strategies and preparedness measures.
Agency response plans were reviewed to ensure readiness and effective interagency coordination should the weather disturbance intensify, the Capitol said.
The emergency meeting underscored the provincial government’s commitment to proactive disaster risk reduction, timely information sharing, and the safety of communities across Negros Oriental amid potential weather-related threats. ||
