AT LEAST 14 towns in Misamis Oriental have suspended classes in all levels due to bad weather brought about by Tropical Depression (TD) Samuel which may bring moderate to heavy rains.
Reports from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) disclosed that the municipalities of Binuangan, Claveria,Jasaan, Salay, Lagonglong, Medina ang Gingoog City have cancelled classes in all levels in both private and public schools
Classes in pre-school and elementary in the towns of Tagoloan, Libertad, Kinoguitan, Balingasag, Talisayan, Gitagum, and Magsaysay were also suspended.
The Binuangan town officials issued a memorandum extending the suspension of classes in all levels until Thursday, November 22.
PDRRMO chief Fernando Dy Jr. said no untoward incident was reported because of the weather condition as of yesterday.
The province remains under Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal number 1 as of press time.
Dy said heavy equipment and other rescue assets are already on standby.
Police troops and members of the 943rd Navy Reserved Command are also available for deployment.
Governor Yevgeny Emano said the province's disaster office is more than capable to respond to emergencies and disasters especially that needed equipment are already purchased and personnel are equipped with knowledge and skills.
"Kompleto kita sa gamit sama sa speed boats ug uban pa,"Emano said.
The governor also has a standing order for the capitol's department heads and chiefs of offices to form a skeletal force during crisis situations.
"Nakaalerto na 24 oras ang atong PDRRMO unya naa tay memo para sa mga department heads nga kung mosaka ang alert level mobalik sila sa capitol og magpahigayon sa skeletal force" Emano said.
"Naa pud tay mga na-hire nga mga nurses katong mga OFW gikan sa ubang nasud nga kita nagtuo nga dunay kapas makaresponde kung dunay katalagman," he added.
The state weather bureau said TD Samuel may leave the country on Friday, November 23.