AS TYPHOON Ompong entered the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) Wednesday afternoon, several local government units have suspended classes in all levels starting Thursday, September 13.
Earlier Wednesday, the University of the Philippines (UP) also announced that it has postponed the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT) 2019 examinations nationwide.
"This decision is based on consultation with UP System officials and weather experts on the latest forecast on Typhoon Ompong... and in consideration of the nationwide scope of the exam that entails synchronized travel arrangement, among others, which pose undue risks to both UPCAT examinees and UPCAT personnel," the university announced.
The UP Office of Admissions said it will announce a new date as soon as possible and provide instructions to all examinees.
Classes in all levels in the entire provinces of Albay, Sorsogon and Camarines Sur in the Bicol Region have been suspended on Thursday.
Camarines Sur Governor Miguel Luis Villafuerte has also imposed a no sailing, no island hopping policy.
Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos and Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Luis Singson suspended classes in all levels as well as work in both public and private sectors on September 13 and 14.
Classes in Cagayan and Zambales province are also suspended on September 13 and 14, as ordered by Governors Manuel Mamba and Amor Deloso, respectively.
In La Union, the following LGUs have declared suspension of classes: Balaoan, Aringay, Bangar, Sudipen on September 13; San Juan and Naguilian on September 13-14; and Caba, Bauang and San Gabriel on September 13-15.
Mayor Belen Fernandez of Dagupan City, Pangasinan suspended classes on September 13, 14 and 15.
In Pampanga, Arayat town has announced the suspension of classes on September 13 to 15.
In Metro Manila, there will be no classes in all levels in Quezon City on September 14 and 15 as ordered by Mayor Herbert Bautista.
As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS) Number 1 has been raised over Catanduanes.
The eye of Ompong was spotted at 1,145 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes. The typhoon is packing maximum winds of 205 kilometers per hour (km/h) near the center and gusts of up to 255 km/h. It is moving west at 20 km/h, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.
Ompong is expected to make landfall in the northern tip of Cagayan on Saturday, September 15, and TCWS Number 1 may also be raised in the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur Thursday morning, September 13. (SunStar Philippines)
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