ILOILO — For the second straight day, local governments in Iloilo and Antique provinces have suspended all classes and government work for today, Thursday, July 24, as the combined effects of Tropical Storm “Dante”, Tropical Depression “Emong”, and the intensified southwest monsoon continue to threaten Western Visayas with widespread flooding and heavy rainfall.
Today’s suspension follows an earlier declaration on July 23, as weather conditions failed to improve and are expected to worsen, according to the latest bulletins from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), citing advisories from PAGASA, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), recommended the continued suspension of classes and non-essential government work across affected areas. Yellow rainfall warnings have been raised for several towns in Iloilo and Antique.
In Iloilo City, Mayor Raisa Treñas reaffirmed the city’s red alert status and the full activation of all response units.
“Suspendido man ang trabaho sa mga government offices, maluwas sa mga essential personnel pareho sang mga responders kag emergency services nga kinahanglan mag-report kung ginakinahanglan,” Treñas said.
She also reminded residents to stay alert, secure their homes, and coordinate closely with barangay officials.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla listed Western Visayas among the regions affected by class suspensions, along with several provinces in Luzon, Mimaropa, and Metro Manila — many of which have experienced days of continuous rain and damage from recent storms Crising and Dante.
“Padayon kita nga magbinuligay. Stay safe, Iloilo City,” Treñas said./PN
