DISASTER PREPAREDNESS. Coast Guard personnel in Siquijor province do the rounds on Monday (May 29, 2023) in the wake of Super Typhoon Betty. Siquijor Gov. Jake Villa has ordered a province-wide suspension of classes due to heavy rains brought about by the "habagat" or southwest monsoon and enhanced by "Betty". (Photos courtesy of Renan Ansing)
DUMAGUETE CITY – At least three towns in Negros Oriental and the entire province of Siquijor suspended classes on Monday due to heavy rains.
Mayor Jonah Pat Aviles of Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental issued an executive order as early as Sunday declaring the suspension of classes in all levels, both private and public, due to heavy rains and possible flooding in the coming days.
On Monday, Mayor Fritz Diaz of Siaton issued a similar order while Mayor Galicano Truita of Dauin gave verbal instructions at the start of the day for class suspension.
While Negros Oriental and Siquijor are not directly in the path of Typhoon Betty, weather forecasters said “habagat” (southwest monsoon) will be enhanced, causing moderate to heavy rains.
In Siquijor, Governor Jake Vincent Villa declared a province-wide cancellation of classes following suspension in three of six municipalities in the island-province – Maria, Lazi and San Juan towns.
Meanwhile, Marlo Quilnet, head of the Negros Oriental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said they have deployed heavy equipment and trucks to flood and landslide-prone areas, especially in the south. (PNA)
