BACOLOD City — Adverse weather and the recent magnitude 7.6 earthquake in Mindanao have affected 12 barangays in this city, prompting the suspension of classes at all levels.
According to a situation report submitted by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) to the City Mayor’s Office as of 6 a.m. on October 10, the affected barangays include 1, 3, 9, 12, 17, 20, Banago, Mandalagan, Montevista, Singcang-Airport, Taculing, and Villamonte, which experienced flooding caused by Tropical Storm Quedan.
The report noted that as of 8 p.m. on October 9, heavy rainfall caused rising water levels in some areas. Barangays Mandalagan and Taculing recorded water levels reaching almost four feet and five feet, respectively. The water subsided several hours later after the rain stopped.
The CDRRMO, together with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), carried out pre-emptive evacuations for residents affected by the floods, particularly in barangays 12, Banago, Taculing, and Villamonte. Displaced residents were temporarily housed in barangay halls, gyms, and nearby schools before returning home once the waters receded.
Meanwhile, on October 10, Mayor Greg Gasataya issued Executive Order No. 60, ordering the suspension of face-to-face classes for all levels in public and private schools in the city. The decision was based on recommendations from the CDRRMO and the Department of Education – Division of Bacolod City, in light of the recent 7.5-magnitude earthquake in Davao Oriental, which was also felt in some areas of Bacolod.
Schools were encouraged to shift to modular distance learning, including performance tasks and projects, to ensure that learning competencies continue to be met, Mayor Gasataya said./PN
