ILOILO City Mayor Jerry Treñas has issued an executive order suspending the Tuesday afternoon (July 16) classes in public and private pre-schools, elementary, high school, and senior high school level in Iloilo City due to heavy rains.
"As mayor of Iloilo City, I hereby order the suspension of classes at the pre-school, elementary, high school, and senior high school level in all public and private schools, in the City of Iloilo this afternoon, July 16, 2019 due to the heavy rainfall brought by the enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) due to TD (Tropical Depression) Falcon, the heavy rainfall shall bring with it a forecasted volume of 21.9mm and shall affect the city from 12 noon until 6 p.m.," Treñas said in a statement.
Tropical Depression Falcon, as of 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 16, was located at 510 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, packing maximum winds of up to 55 kilometers per hour (km/h) near the center and gusts of up to 70 km/h.
The state weather bureau said Falcon is expected to make landfall over Babuyan-Batanes Islands area Wednesday evening, July 17, and may intensify into a tropical storm within 24 hours.
"Given this, I am convinced that our pre-school children, elementary pupils, high school, and senior high school, considered exposed and vulnerable population, should be protected from the possible effects of strong winds and heavy rainfall starting this afternoon," the mayor said.
He added that the cancellation of classes "seeks to ensure the safety of our children from possible flooding and from any sickness, injuries or accidents as a result thereof."
"Their general welfare is the topmost concern of the City Government," he added.
He also said that City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office continues to monitor weather updates, while members of the city's response clusters are on standby for any emergencies.
"May we all work together for the safety of our people. Stay safe everyone!" Treñas said. (LMY/SunStar Philippines)