ILOILO City – More than 1,300 schools in Western Visayas suspended face-to-face classes yesterday and shifted to remote learning as Tropical Depression “Crising” intensified the southwest monsoon, triggering heavy rains and flood risks across the region.
According to the Department of Education (DepEd) Region 6, a total of 1,322 schools covering 418,445 learners adopted online or Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) learning as a precautionary measure.
The suspension was implemented in compliance with DepEd Order No. 27, s. 2022, and DepEd Order No. 009, s. 2024, which allow for localized class cancellations due to disasters and weather disturbances.
While “Crising” is not on track to directly hit Western Visayas, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned that the storm is enhancing the southwest monsoon, bringing widespread rainfall to the region.
In Iloilo City, Mayor Raisa Treñas acted on the recommendation of the local emergency operations center to suspend classes at all levels in both public and private schools.
“I have approved the recommendation of the Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center to suspend face-to-face classes… Mag aligmat kag halong gid ang tanan,” Mayor Treñas said.
The center’s advisory forecasted cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms in Iloilo City, with light to moderate, at times heavy rainfall. PAGASA’s Yellow Rainfall Warning projected 50 to 100 mm of rain within 24 hours.
DepEd Region 6 information officer Hernani Escullar, Jr. reiterated the importance of the department’s disaster protocols, stating, “The terms of DepEd Order 009, Series of 2024, are applicable because in-person classes have been suspended because of the inclement weather, where other areas are high-risk of flooding.”
“This order requires schools to follow BLDM [Blended Learning Delivery Modalities] in the event that classes are suspended due to crises or disasters,” Escullar added. “Teachers are tasked with providing home learning activities tailored to the needs of the students and the severity of the situation in their areas.”
The breakdown of affected schools and learners per Schools Division is as follows:
* Antique – 539 schools, 131,833 learners in 18 towns)
* Iloilo Province – 531 schools, 165,741 learners in 21 towns
* Capiz – 141 schools, 23,329 learners in 5 towns
* Passi City – 45 schools, 19,856 learners
* Iloilo City – 66 schools, 77,686 learners
Escullar emphasized that the safety of learners and teachers remains DepEd’s top priority amid weather-related emergencies. He noted that learning must continue despite physical disruptions.
Meanwhile, PAGASA forecasted that “Crising” could intensify into a severe tropical storm by today, July 18, continuing to bring torrential rain not only to Western Visayas but also to Luzon, Central Visayas, and parts of Mindanao.
Areas placed under heavy rainfall advisories include Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Antique, Aklan, Capiz, and several provinces across the country.
The public is advised to remain vigilant and heed local advisories as more rain and possible flooding are expected in the coming days./PN
