SEVERAL local government units in the Cordillera Administration Region have suspended classes in the different levels in anticipation of the strong typhoon that is expected to bring Ompong-like rains.
Classes in all levels and work are suspended in the province of Abra, Mountain Province, and Calanasan town in Apayao to ensure the safety of residents during the onset of Typhoon Rosita.
The Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) is now on full alert, requiring all its councils and barangays to stand by and monitor 24 hours.
The CDRRMC officials made the announcement during a meeting Monday, October 29, after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that Rosita (Yutu), which entered the Philippine area of responsibility last October 27, may make landfall either in Isabela or Cagayan Tuesday (October 30) or Wednesday (October 31).
"The weather forecast for this weekend is partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers," said Eugene Ventura of Pagasa-Baguio.
As of 11 a.m. Monday, October 29, Typhoon Rosita's eye was located along the northwestern part of the Central Philippine Sea, about 341 kilometers east of Palanan, Isabela or 382 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora.
According to Pagasa, Rosita will continue to lose strength as it bears down the coast of Isabela Monday night and make landfall near the town of Dinapigue early morning of October 30. It will traverse northern Luzon, passing over southern Isabela or in the vicinity of Santiago City.
Abra Governor Maria Jocelyn Bernos declared the suspension of classes in all levels, public and private, including work in government agencies except those involved in disaster operations in the province from October 29-31 due to possible effects of Typhoon Rosita.
In Mountain Province, Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan issued Executive Order 34 s. 2018, suspending work in government offices and classes in all levels, both public and private on October 30-31.
As of this writing Monday, only the towns of La Trinidad, Mankayan, and Tuba in Benguet have declared suspension of classes in all levels.
Meanwhile, Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan advised residents to prepare for the typhoon.
Domogan, who chairs the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, called for an emergency pre-disaster risk assessment and emergency response meeting with concerned government offices, utility companies, and volunteer groups to map out contingency measures on the four areas of disaster preparedness: mitigation, preparedness, response, and relief and rehabilitation.
"Barring possible changes in its direction and intensity, the city has to prepare for the worst-case scenario," he said during the meeting held at his office. "The general public is advised to be vigilant and to monitor the latest weather advisories while those living in low-lying and mountainous areas are advised to perform pre-emptive evacuation and take appropriate actions against possible flooding and landslides resulting from heavy rains."
Domogan formed Task Force Rosita, which is made up of five clusters: health and emergency medical services; camp coordination and management (relief, food and non-food); search, rescue and retrieval; management of the missing and dead; and rapid damage assessment and needs analysis and clearing.
He also ordered the activation of all Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees, through the Association of Barangay Councils to drum up preparations and evacuation in landslide-prone areas.