BACOLOD City – The city government here and the local government units across Negros Occidental ordered the suspension of work in government offices and classes at all levels on Friday, February 6, due to heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions brought by Tropical Storm (TS) “Basyang.”
In Bacolod City, Mayor Greg Gasataya announced that, pursuant to Executive Order (EO) No. 5, Series of 2026, which he issued on February 5, work in government offices and classes in both public and private schools were suspended upon the recommendation of the Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (BCDRRMO).
The suspension followed the Orange Heavy Rainfall Warning issued by the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), citing the combined effects of a shear line and TS “Basyang.”
Despite the suspension, offices involved in the delivery of basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response, and other essential services were directed to continue operations.
Schools were encouraged to shift to modular distance learning activities and projects to ensure that students continue to meet required learning competencies.
Meanwhile, the suspension of work in private companies, business establishments, and institutions was left to the discretion of their respective management, Gasataya said.
He added that the Bacolod Emergency Operations Center was placed under Red Alert Status to ensure heightened monitoring, rapid response, and coordinated action among concerned agencies.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson also issued a memorandum on February 5 ordering the suspension of work in all provincial government offices on February 6 to ensure the safety of provincial government employees, citing the Local Government Code’s mandate to promote general welfare.
Essential offices, including those responsible for emergency response, disaster risk reduction and management, health and social welfare services, and peace and order, were instructed to remain operational.
Local chief executives across the province likewise issued their respective executive orders suspending work and classes in their jurisdictions, while local disaster risk reduction and management offices were placed on alert for possible emergency response.
The Office of Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez provided food assistance to evacuees in Bacolod City evacuation centers, particularly stranded passengers affected by the suspension of sea vessel trips.
The provincial government and various local government units also distributed food packs to internally displaced persons in evacuation centers, as some LGUs conducted preemptive evacuations.
DOST-PAGASA forecast stormy weather with gusty winds and significant rainfall across Bacolod City and Negros Occidental, particularly between 5 a.m. and 11 a.m. on February 6, as “Basyang” approached Negros Island.
Authorities warned of possible flooding, road hazards, and other weather-related risks and urged residents to remain vigilant and heed official advisories./PN
