• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Negros Oriental Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria suspended the Sept. 16 classes in public and private schools in all levels in the province, due to risks associated with the unpredictable weather and the southwest monsoon.
But he ordered employees of government offices in Negros Oriental to go to work today, except for those in flood-prone and high-risk areas, including Canlaon City, Bayawan City, Zamboanguita, Siaton, Sta. Catalina, and Basay.
“There is a need for employees of government offices in other cities and municipalities in the province to return to work so that they can provide needed services to the public, and support and assistance to the local government units affected by the southwest monsoon,” Sagarbarria said in Executive Order 52 dated Sept. 15.
But he stressed that the mayors of cities and municipalities not included in the exceptions “may exercise discretion to suspend work, under Presidential Executive Order No. 66, series of 2012, in the event that risk to lives and property arises from the unpredictable weather in their respective territorial jurisdictions.”
On Sept. 13, Sagarbarria issued EO 51, which directed the suspension/cancellation of classes in public and private schools, as well as work in government offices, due to torrential rains and flooding experienced and predicted in Negros Oriental that time.
Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas, meanwhile, issued EO 69 Sept. 15 “declaring the temporary closure of all tourist attractions in Canlaon City due to the increased unrest of Mt. Kanlaon and the impact of Tropical Storm Ferdie and habagat (southwest monsoon).”
To ensure public safety, it is necessary to restrict access to all tourist areas within and around Canlaon City to prevent any potential harm during this time of both volcanic unrest and severe weather conditions, the mayor said.
The temporary closure of all tourist attractions, including but not limited to Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park, hot springs, hiking trails, and other spots, is in effect until further notice, the EO said. “All tourism-related activities, including guided tours, outdoor excursions, and eco-tourism services, are suspended.”
Cardenas tasked the Canlaon City Tourism Office to coordinate with local businesses to ensure proper dissemination of information. “Access to the four-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone is strictly prohibited to all, including tourists, hikers, and visitors. Violators will be subject to penalties under existing laws and regulations.”
The mayor said his order shall take effect immediately and will remain in force until the Phivolcs deems that the threat level at Mt. Kanlaon has sufficiently decreased and the weather conditions improve. | CGC
