ILOILO City – With Tropical Storm “Tino” rapidly intensifying and threatening to make landfall early this week, provinces and local government units (LGUs) across Western Visayas have ordered the suspension of classes and work in anticipation of heavy rains, strong winds, and potential flooding.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that “Tino,” internationally named “Kalmaegi”, is expected to strengthen into a typhoon this Monday morning, November 3, with a possible landfall in Eastern Visayas or Caraga later in the evening or by Tuesday morning.
“Tropical Storm Kalmaegi entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on November 2 at 5:30 a.m. as the 20th tropical cyclone of 2025,” PAGASA said.
Its maximum sustained winds had increased from 65 km/h to 85 km/h and gusts from 80 km/h to 105 km/h, moving west-northwest at 15 km/h.
“Tino” is projected to be hitting Panay Island on November 4.
Iloilo City’s Mayor Raisa Treñas has ordered the suspension of classes in all levels today, November 3, emphasizing the city’s priority on safety and preparedness.
She also urged residents in flood-prone and coastal barangays to cooperate with preemptive evacuation efforts.
The Northern Iloilo State University (NISU) likewise suspended face-to-face classes in all campuses from November 3 to 4, directing faculty and staff to adopt flexible work arrangements and continue online instruction.
West Visayas State University (WVSU) also suspended classes in all levels across its satellite campuses for November 3. Faculty members were instructed to submit their Work Accomplishment and Attendance (WAA) reports, while other departments are to conduct synchronous or asynchronous sessions through mediated learning.
The WVSU-College of Medicine, as well as the lower-year students of the College of Dentistry and College of Nursing, are shifting to online learning to ensure continuity of instruction amid the weather disturbance.
Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) and several municipalities in the province — including Estancia, Oton, Concepcion, Carles, Pavia, Leon, Alimodian, Lambunao, and Batad — have also declared class suspensions.
Neighboring provinces followed suit:
* Antique – All levels suspended in Libertad, San Jose de Buenavista, Patnongon, Anini-y, Culasi, Tibiao, Bugasong, Tobias Fornier, and Hamtic. Caluya suspended classes from preschool to senior high school.
* Aklan – Malay, New Washington, and Kalibo suspended classes until November 4.
* Capiz – Multiple municipalities including Panitan, Pilar, Panay, Roxas City, Pontevedra, Dumarao, Ivisan, Maayon, and Dao suspended both classes and government work. Filamer Christian University and Capiz State University also halted face-to-face operations.
The Department of Education (DepEd) reminded schools to observe disaster-response protocols as outlined in DepEd Order 009, Series of 2024, which mandates the implementation of Blended Learning Delivery Modalities (BLDM) during class suspensions.
Teachers are tasked with providing home learning activities suited to local conditions.
“Accurate monitoring of the situation and adherence to safety protocols are essential as the city and its educational institutions prepare for the effects of Typhoon Tino,” the DepEd reiterated.
The Office of the Civil Defense likewise called for heightened readiness among households. “Preparedness ensures families are well-equipped and ready to respond to the potential effects of the storm, which is vital for safeguarding lives and minimizing damage,” the agency stated.
It also reminded the public to prepare an Emergency Go Bag, containing essentials for at least 72 hours of survival during disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, or fires./PN