TACLOBAN CITY-Classes in the elementary and secondary levels were suspended in Leyte and Southern Leyte provinces on Friday (Nov.18) morning due to heavy rains caused by an intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) and a low-pressure area (LPA).
Classes were suspended in the towns of Abuyog, Lapaz, Hilongos, Mayorga, and Baybay City, all in Leyte; and in the towns of Saint Bernard, Liloan, and Tomas Oppus, all in Southern Leyte.
Rainwater that resulted in flooding were also reported in Hilongos and Baybay City. Minor landslides hit the villages of Bahay, Candayuman, and Old Malangsa, all in Liloan town.
Public and private elementary and secondary schools in Tacloban City also suspended their classes past 9 am with parents and guardians picking up their students.
Jasmin Calzita, regional information officer of the Department of Education (DepEd), said that with the prevailing bad weather condition, school principals can now suspend their classes to ensure the safety of their students.
She said that the suspension is based on DepEd Order No.37 setting the guideline on the cancellation or suspension of classes in an event of a calamity.
“To minimize the health and safety risk brought about by disasters and other calamities, DepED recognizes that the suspension of classes and work during emergencies remain to be necessary in upholding the physical and mental well-being of learners and school personnel,” she said.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
