NO CLASSES. The Iloilo City government suspended classes at all levels Monday afternoon (July 24, 2023) in anticipation of the rainfall to be brought by the trough of Typhoon Egay and the southwest monsoon. Mayor Jerry Treñas advised the general public to be vigilant of the risks due to heavy rains and flooding. (Photo courtesy of Public Information Office)
ILOILO CITY – Classes at all levels in public and private schools here were suspended due to heavy rains brought by the combination of the trough of Typhoon Egay and the southwest monsoon on Monday afternoon.
"To ensure the safety and general welfare of children and residents of Iloilo City, I approve the recommendation of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) to suspend the face-to-face and blended classes in all levels in both public and private educational institutions in the City of Iloilo this afternoon," Mayor Jerry Treñas said in an announcement.
Treñas said that based on "available data and science-based monitoring tools", the city would experience cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms.
"Light to moderate and occasionally heavy rainfall will be expected this afternoon until the evening," he added, citing data from the state weather bureau, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
In addition to the suspension of classes, the city government also allowed the early dismissal of city hall workers at 3 p.m.
Further, the mayor advised barangay disaster risk reduction and management committees and the general public to be alert to the risks posed by heavy rains and flooding in low-lying areas.
In an interview, Treñas said the local government has been closely watching the weather disturbance since the weekend.
In addition to PAGASA, they also gather situation reports from other concerned offices, such as the Manila Observatory of what could have been a super typhoon, he said.
“We are preparing, we have been on top of the situation. The city government is not just preparing for the typhoon but also for the transport strike,” he added.
Transport groups vowed to carry out a three-day strike starting Monday. (PNA)
