ILOILO — On Friday, July 18, widespread class suspensions were enforced across Iloilo Province and Iloilo City in anticipation of torrential rainfall and flooding due to Tropical Cyclone “Crising”, with local officials and the Department of Education (DepEd) prioritizing student safety although Western Visayas is not in the direct path of the storm.
In the province, local chief executives (LCEs) ordered class suspensions in coordination with DepEd-Iloilo. The municipalities included San Joaquin, Guimbal, Pavia, Lambunao, Dumangas, Leganes, Tigbauan, San Enrique, Miag-ao, Janiuay, Alimodian, Bingawan, Pototan, Barotac Nuevo, Calinog, Maasin (all levels except Grade 11 and 12 for four high schools), Igbaras, Dueñas, Banate, New Lucena, San Miguel, Tubungan, Ajuy, Sara, Badiangan, Zarraga, San Dionisio, and Anilao.
Iloilo National High School also declared class suspensions.
Three schools — Polopina National High School and Deogracias G. Arlos NHS in Concepcion, and Bayas Elementary School in Estancia — also announced the cancellation of in-person classes at the discretion of their school heads.
An automatic suspension of face-to-face classes was implemented at 5 a.m. under an orange rainfall warning, covering most of the central and southern Iloilo towns including Cabatuan, Mina, Leon, and Santa Barbara.
The suspensions were issued in line with DepEd Order No. 27 (series of 2022) and DepEd Order No. 009 (series of 2024), which authorize local authorities to cancel classes in response to extreme weather and localized hazards.
Local officials acted swiftly following Crising’s slight intensification earlier in the week. The decision to halt in-person learning also aimed to reduce public exposure to hazardous conditions.
Meanwhile, Iloilo City’s Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu suspended face-to-face classes for all levels in both public and private schools starting Thursday, July 17, following a recommendation from the Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
“In view of the anticipated weather conditions and to ensure the safety and general welfare of students and residents,” the EOC said, “the suspension applies to all levels from pre-school to senior high, across both public and private institutions.”
The EOC based its recommendation on forecasts indicating “light to moderate with occasional heavy rains” due to the influence of Crising, raising concerns about potential flooding, low visibility, and traffic disruptions throughout the metro.
Authorities have advised the public to remain vigilant and stay updated through official government bulletins as inclement weather persists./PN
