Over 260,000 Iloilo learners affected by class suspensions

By Mariela Angella Oladive

More than 260,000 learners in 1,060 public schools in Iloilo province were affected by class suspensions after Tropical Cyclone Basyang prompted local government units to cancel classes due to possible weather hazards.

As of 9 a.m. on Feb. 6, the Department of Education Schools Division of Iloilo reported that 12 municipalities suspended kindergarten classes, affecting 7,004 learners.

These towns are Balasan, Banate, Barotac Viejo, Batad, Concepcion, Calinog, Dingle, Estancia, Lemery, San Dionisio, San Rafael and Sara.

Meanwhile, 30 local government units suspended classes at all levels, affecting 259,939 learners.

These municipalities are Pavia, Miag-ao, Tigbauan, New Lucena, Dumangas, Pototan, Dueñas, Zarraga, Oton, Barotac Nuevo, Alimodian, Leganes, Ajuy, Maasin, Cabatuan, Leon, Igbaras, Janiuay, Guimbal, Mina, San Joaquin, San Enrique, Santa Barbara, Bingawan, San Miguel, Tubungan, Anilao, Badiangan and Lambunao.

At 2 p.m. the same day, the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) placed Iloilo under a yellow heavy rainfall warning, citing possible flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous areas.

The DOST-PAGASA Iloilo Radar Station reported that Basyang weakened into a tropical depression as of the 11 a.m. bulletin while approaching Bohol.

Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and follow advisories issued by local government units and disaster risk reduction and management offices regarding the cyclone’s possible effects.

In line with this, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in Western Visayas raised its operations center to red alert, placing provincial responders and emergency units on full 24/7 activation.

According to the latest data from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, 643 passengers, 326 rolling cargoes and three vessels were stranded at the Dumangas and Ajuy seaports.

Stranded passengers were assisted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the concerned local social welfare and development offices.

RDRRMC-6 Chairperson and Office of Civil Defense-6 Regional Director Raul E. Fernandez reminded local governments not to be complacent despite the cyclone’s weakening, urging them to assess conditions in their areas, particularly in communities prone to landslides and flooding.