BACOLOD City — Several local government units in Negros Occidental and the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental have suspended classes as the southwest monsoon (habagat), enhanced by Super Typhoon “Inday,” continues to bring the threat of heavy rains, flooding, and landslides across the Visayas.
In Negros Occidental, mayors of several cities and municipalities ordered the suspension of classes in both public and private schools as a precaution against the expected adverse weather conditions.
The municipalities of Moises Padilla and Isabela suspended classes at all levels from July 8 to 10, while La Castellana declared a class suspension for all levels on July 9 and 10.
Classes at all levels were also suspended on July 8 in the cities of Himamaylan, La Carlota, Sipalay, and Kabankalan, as well as in the municipalities of Hinigaran, Hinoba-an, and Pontevedra.
In San Carlos City, the suspension covered all levels in public and private schools located in upland communities and areas identified as prone to flooding and landslides.
In neighboring Negros Oriental, Gov. Manuel Sagarbarria issued Executive Order No. 48, Series of 2026, suspending classes at all levels in both public and private schools throughout the province on July 9.
The order, signed on July 7, cited forecasts from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) indicating that Super Typhoon “Inday,” internationally known as Bavi, is expected to affect the Visayas, including Negros Oriental, within 24 to 48 hours.
PAGASA warned that the weather disturbance could bring strong winds and moderate to at times heavy or torrential rainfall, raising the risk of flash floods in low-lying and riverine communities, storm surges along coastal areas, and landslides in upland and mountainous barangays.
Sagarbarria said the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council recommended the suspension to minimize the exposure of students, teachers, and school personnel to hazardous weather conditions and reduce travel-related risks.
The governor also encouraged schools to implement alternative learning modalities, including online and modular instruction where feasible, to ensure the continuity of education during the class suspension.
Authorities in both Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental urged residents to remain vigilant, monitor official weather advisories, and follow instructions from local disaster risk reduction and management councils as the enhanced southwest monsoon and Super Typhoon “Inday” continue to affect the region./PN
