BACOLOD City — The local government of Bacolod has ordered a preemptive evacuation in flood-prone areas and suspended work in government offices today, November 4, due to the approach of Typhoon “Tino.”
Mayor Greg Gasataya, during a press conference on November 3 at the Bacolod City Government Center, said the decision followed an assessment and recommendation from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC). The preemptive evacuation began late afternoon on November 3.
Residents living in flood-prone barangays are affected, although the city has yet to finalize the exact number of barangays involved as of press time.
Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga, head of the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), said preparations were underway at evacuation centers coordinated with all barangays. Food and other basic necessities have also been readied for internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Mayor Gasataya added that the Department of Education (DepEd) has coordinated for the use of classrooms as additional evacuation centers, supplementing some barangay halls.
Executive Order (EO) No. 69, Series of 2025, signed by the mayor on November 3, officially suspended work in government offices on November 4. However, offices providing basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response, or other vital services are to continue operations.
The work suspension was also extended to the entire Provincial Government of Negros Occidental (PGNO). Gov. Eugenio Jose V. Lacson issued Memorandum Order No. 024 on November 3, 2025, declaring the suspension of work in all provincial government offices for all employees, including contract of service (COS) and job order (JO) personnel, on November 4, 2025. Similar to the city’s directive, offices engaged in basic, health, preparedness, and disaster response services were directed to continue operations.
Mayor Gasataya also strongly encouraged private companies, businesses, and institutions to suspend work to ensure the safety of their employees during the storm’s passage.
Bacolod City has been placed under red alert status effective November 2 until weather conditions significantly improve./PN
