ANTIQUE — Twelve local government units (LGUs) in Antique suspended classes on Wednesday, June 24, as heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon, enhanced by Typhoon “Francisco,” affected several parts of the province.
Antique Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) chief Broderick Train said the suspension was prompted by continuous rainfall being experienced across the province.
“The LGUs suspended classes in both public and private schools from preschool to senior high school,” Train said in an interview.
The affected LGUs are Patnongon, Anini-y, Sibalom, Caluya, Tobias Fornier, Bugasong, San Remigio, Belison, Valderrama, Tibiao, Barbaza, and the capital town of San Jose de Buenavista.
Despite the heavy rains, Train said major rivers in the province, including the Sibalom River, have not yet reached critical levels. However, authorities continue to closely monitor water levels and weather conditions.
He advised residents to avoid crossing rivers due to the possibility of sudden flash floods.
“I am advising residents not to cross rivers because flash floods could occur without warning,” Train said.
The PDRRMO chief also urged residents living in areas prone to landslides and flooding to remain vigilant and monitor weather advisories issued by authorities.
Based on the agency’s latest assessment, the Antique-Iloilo mountainside route and the national highway connecting the southern and northern municipalities of Antique remain passable.
As a precautionary measure, personnel from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Antique Engineering District have been deployed and are on standby to conduct clearing operations in the event of landslides or road obstructions.
“We advise commuters to exercise extra caution when traveling along the national highway due to the persistent rains,” Train said.
Meanwhile, no preemptive evacuations have been ordered as of Wednesday noon, but the PDRRMO said it remains prepared to deploy personnel and resources in coordination with municipal disaster response offices should conditions worsen.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and urged the public to stay updated through official weather bulletins and local government advisories. (PNA)
