ILOILO – Close to 900,000 learners in Western Visayas were forced out of classrooms as the Department of Education (DepEd) ordered the suspension of in-person classes in 2,714 schools amid the mounting threat of Typhoon “Tino” (international name: “Kalmaegi”).
The move — one of the largest precautionary class suspensions in the region this year — was announced as the government weather agency raised Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 2 over portions of Capiz, Guimaras, and northern and eastern Iloilo on Monday, with authorities bracing for heavy rains, flooding, and destructive winds today.
“The safety and education of our learners and educators remain our primary concern during these trying times,” said Hernani Escullar Jr., information officer of DepEd Region 6
A total of 884,415 students across Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo province, Iloilo City, Passi City, and Roxas City were affected.
Iloilo province accounted for the largest share with 334,945 learners in 1,049 schools, followed by Capiz (141,476 learners in 469 schools), Antique (130,879 learners in 538 schools), Aklan (113,177 learners in 380 schools), Iloilo City (73,413 learners in 66 schools),Guimaras (40,420 learners in 116 schools), Roxas City (30,061 learners in 50 schools), and Passi City (20,044 learners in 46 schools).
The suspension, consistent with DepEd Order No. 22, s. 2024, was part of the department’s disaster-response protocol to ensure the protection of students and personnel during calamities.
Escullar assured that learning will continue despite the temporary halt to face-to-face sessions, as local governments and school heads were urged to activate modular and distance-learning schemes.
“DepEd is committed to supporting educational continuity, even amid disruptions caused by the storm,” Escullar said.
PAGASA UPDATE
As of 11 a.m. on November 3, according to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Typhoon Tino’s eye was located 285 kilometers east-southeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, packing maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h and gusts up to 150 km/h, moving west-southwest at 25 km/h.
The storm’s strong-wind radius extended 300 km from its center, posing a broad threat to the Visayas, parts of Mindanao, and southern Luzon.
PAGASA warned of moderate to torrential rains, possible floods, landslides, and storm surges, urging coastal residents to take precautions.
The typhoon’s initial landfall was projected over Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, or the Dinagat Islands.
DepEd and disaster-response units said they would continue tracking developments as Typhoon Tino barrels closer to land, with local authorities expected to assess damages and readiness for class resumption once weather conditions stabilize./PN