DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/18 March) — Classes in all levels have been suspended in the entire province of Davao del Norte and most towns in Compostela Valley effective Monday afternoon as local government braced for Tropical Depression “Chedeng” which was expected to make landfall on Tuesday.
In its weather bulletin issued 11am Monday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) placed 11 areas under Public Storm Warning Signal Number 1: Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley province, Davao del Sur, Davao City, General Santos City, Davao Occidental, Southern portion of Davao del Norte including Samal Island, eastern portion of North Cotabato, eastern portion of South Cotabato and eastern portion of Sarangani.
The weather disturbance is expected to bring moderate to heavy rains over Caraga and Davao regions, especially over Surigao del Sur, eastern portion of Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental, and Compostela Valley.
Davao del Norte Governor Anthony Del Rosario issued Memorandum 24, suspending the classes in all levels in the entire province effective 1:00pm Monday as part of the provincial government’s “preparedness and to secure all the constituents of this province on the adverse impacts that this weather system may cause.”
Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon also issued on Monday CDRRMC Memorandum 8, ordering the suspension of classes for kindergarten and pre-schools in both public and private schools in the city due to Chedeng.
In Panabo City, classes were suspended after Prosper D. Dalajos Jr, disaster official of CDRRMO, advised “the barangay disaster and risk reduction committee and residents of hazard prone areas, especially those living in areas identified to be at high risk of flooding or landslide to take undertake necessary preparations and continue monitoring for updates.”
Mayor Ramil Lao Gentugaya issued the suspension of classes in Monkayo town after Pagasa placed Compostela Valley under Public Storm Warning Signal 1.
The towns of Montevista, Mawab, Maragusan, Nabunturan, Maco, Mabini, Pantukan and New Bataan have suspended classes for public and private schools in all levels as local government units are closely monitoring the movement of Chedeng.
In Davao City, the Philippine Coast Guard prevented small sea vessels from leaving Sta. Ana Wharf. (Mart Sambalud/MindaNews)