SWOLLEN RIVER. The rising water at a river in Barangay Sto. Domingo, Virac, Catanduanes early Monday afternoon (April 19, 2021) as a result of continuous rains brought by Typhoon Bising. The province is currently placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2. (Photo courtesy of Joseph Pampanga)
LEGAZPI CITY – Due to possible flooding and effects of the current gusty winds being experienced in the Bicol region, some province and city chief executives on Monday suspended work in public and private offices as well as students' online classes.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-Bicol said the provinces of Catanduanes, Albay, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon were placed under Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS) No. 2 by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration as of 4 a.m.
Catanduanes Governor Joseph Cua, in a memorandum, said all offices are ordered to suspend operations except for those involved in the provision of basic necessities or delivery of basic services and disaster responses.
“All classes in the province are also hereby suspended. Normal operations shall return on Tuesday (April 20),” he said.
In Sorsogon, Salvador Mendoza, provincial government spokesperson, said the towns of Donsol, Pilar, Gubat, Barcelona, Bulusan, and Sorsogon City have issued separate advisories suspending work in government offices and classes in public and private educational institutions.
However, the suspension of work for private companies and offices are left to the discretion of their respective heads.
The work suspension order, however, does not include agencies which functions involve the delivery of basic health, and disaster preparedness and response.
In this capital city of Albay, Mayor Noel Rosal, in an advisory, said work in private and public offices are also suspended, except those involved in the delivery of essential services.
“Barangay (residents) should remain in their safe areas, evacuation center, as the current rains may cause flooding and rain-induced landslides,” Rosal said.
All are advised to continuously monitor bulletins from the weather agency to ensure the safety of everyone, he added in the advisory. (PNA)
