LGUs Announce Class Suspensions Ahead Of Uwan

Local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila and other parts of the country have suspended classes in all levels on Monday, Nov. 10, in anticipation of Typhoon Uwan.

In Metro Manila, among those that already announced class suspensions were Caloocan, Las Piñas, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Manila. Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, Pateros, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig and Valenzuela.

Valenzuela also suspended government work amid the impending bad weather. 

“Emergency and disaster response offices operations, however, remain ongoing. Work suspension for private companies, on the other hand, will be at the discretion of their respective management,” the Valenzuela LGU announced in a Facebook post.

For its part, the Quezon City LGU said that face-to-face classes are suspended in all levels, both public and private after it approved the recommendation of Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (QCDRRMO).

“Alternative delivery modes of learning (synchronous/asynchronous) will be implemented to ensure the uninterrupted learning of students,” the Quezon City LGU said.

“Everyone is advised to take caution and stay in your homes for your safety,” it added.

In Manila, Mayor Isko Moreno also directed all schools to shift to alternative delivery modes of learning to ensure continuity of education.

Provincial-wide suspensions have also been declared in Laguna, Rizal, Abra and Mountain Province. 

There were also suspensions in some LGUs in Cavite, Batangas, Pangasinan, Bataan, Isabela, Cagayan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Benguet, Ifugao and Kalinga.

Over 12,000 schools may be affected

According to the Department of Education, 12,747 schools and 110 divisions could be affected by floods and landslides brought by Typhoon Uwan (Fung-wong). 

The DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) said that schools at risk are located in at least nine regions, including Metro Manila, regions 1, 2, 4-A, 4-B, 5, 8 and the Cordillera Administrative Region. 

For affected schools and division offices, the DepEd-DRRMS recommended the activation of School Disaster Risk Reduction Management (SDRRM) teams and contingency plans to prepare for potential flooding, landslides and storm surges; coordination and collaboration with LGUs and disaster risk reduction and management councils to ensure emergency response preparedness; safeguard learning materials and equipment; and preposition emergency supplies and resources. 

“The Department of Education is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all learners and staff. Be aware. Be prepared. Be safe,” the DepEd said. 

Meanwhile, the DepEd said that at least P1.86 billion was released for the repair of schools damaged by Typhoon Tino. 

It added that an additional P32.51 million was allocated for the cleanup and clearing operation of schools affected by Tino (Kalmaegi). 

“A total of 3,478 public schools from regions MIMAROPA, 7, 6, Negros Island, and CARAGA have reported suspension of in-person classes and have shifted to the flexible learning program to ensure continuity of learning,” the DepEd said.

The DepEd reported 391 totally damaged schools; 806 schools with major damage; and 2,156 schools with minor damage amid the impact of Typhoon Tino. – With an additional report from Janvic Mateo