MANILA, Philippines – Several local government units (LGUs) announced suspension of classes for Wednesday, July 24, 2024, due to the inclement weather brought by the southwest monsoon or habagat, which is being enhanced by Typhoon Carina (Gaemi).
According to state weather bureau PAGASA in its 5 p.m. bulletin today, Bagyong Carina continues to intensify while moving northward.
Tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) no. 2 was raised over Batanes. Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 was hoisted in the areas of Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, the eastern portion of Isabela (Divilacan, Palanan, Maconacon, Dinapigue, Tumauini, Ilagan City, San Mariano, Cabagan, San Pablo, Santa Maria), the northern portion of Apayao (Calanasan, Luna, Pudtol, Flora, Santa Marcela, Kabugao), and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte (Pagudpud, Bangui, Adams, Dumalneg, Burgos, Vintar, Pasuquin, Bacarra, Carasi).
The Southwest Monsoon enhanced by Carina will bring moderate to intense rainfall over various localities in the western portion of Luzon today through Thursday.
It will also bring strong to gale-force gusts over the following areas (especially in coastal and upland areas exposed to winds):
July 24: Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Region, Abra, Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Northern Mindanao
July 25: Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Negros Occidental, and Northern Samar.
Carina is forecast to make landfall over the northern portion of Taiwan between tomorrow evening and Thursday (July 25) morning, then exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) hours later.
Here's the list of class suspensions for Wednesday, July 24, 2024 (refresh page for updates):
METRO MANILA
At 5:00 am today, Malacañang announced suspension of classes at all levels and government work in the National Capital Region (NCR) as recommended by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
Read: Gov't work, classes in NCR suspended on July 24, 2024
Prior to this announcement, the following cities had announced suspensions:
- Caloocan City – all levels (public and private)
- Las Piñas City – all levels (public and private)
- Malabon – all levels (public and private)
- Muntinlupa City – all levels (public and private)
- Navotas – all levels (public and private)
- Parañaque City – all levels (public and private)
- Pasay City – all levels (public and private)
- Quezon City – all levels (public and private)
- San Juan City – all levels (public and private)
PROVINCES
- Batangas province – all levels (public and private)
- Cavite – all levels (public and private)
- Laguna – all levels (public and private)
- Rizal – all levels (public and private)
- Abra – all levels (private); Brigada Eskwela for public schools
- Baguio City – all levels (public and private)
- Batanes – work is suspended in government offices until July 25
- Magsingal, Ilocos Sur – all levels (public and private)
- Capas, Tarlac – all levels (public and private)
- Bataan – all levels (public and private)
- Angeles City – face-to-face classes in all levels (private)
- Olongapo City – all levels (public and private)
- Manaoag, Pangasinan – preschool to senior high school (public and private)
- Bulakan, Bulacan – all levels (public and private)
- Malolos City, Bulacan – all levels (public and private)
- San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan – all levels (public and private)
AUTOMATIC CLASS SUSPENSIONS
In 2022, the Department of Education (DepEd) released guidelines on the cancellation and suspension of classes and work in schools during natural calamities.
According to DepEd's Department Order No. 37, "In-person, online classes, and work from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and Alternative Learning System are automatically cancelled in schools situated in LGUs issued with Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 by the PAGASA."
During heavy rainfall, "In-person, online classes, and work from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and Alternative Learning System are automatically cancelled in schools situated in LGUs issued with Orange and Red Rainfall Warning by the PAGASA".
During floods, "In-person, online classes, and work from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and Alternative Learning System are automatically cancelled in schools in specific areas issued with a Flood Warning by the PAGASA".
The order also said that in all instances, "Local Chief Executives shall decide on the cancellation or suspension of classes" where there is bad weather but is not due to a typhoon, heavy rainfall alert, or flood warning from PAGASA.
Here's full copy of DepEd order on class suspensions:
Note: This is a developing story. Keep locked for the updates. Help us crowdsource class suspension announcements by tweeting @mysummitexpress or commenting below.
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