SEVERAL municipalities in Davao de Oro have suspended classes and work due to heavy rainfall caused by the easterlies.
As of 7 a.m. on Thursday, February 21, 2025, seven municipalities had canceled classes, according to a Facebook post by the Provincial Government of Davao de Oro.
In New Bataan, classes were suspended due to rains triggered by the easterlies and the shear line. The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO-New Bataan) placed the area under a yellow warning, prompting Mayor Geraldford Balbin to order the suspension of classes and work in all establishments, including both private and public schools.
The New Bataan Information and Tourism Office urged residents to report weather-related incidents to their local disaster response teams.
In Monkayo, both private and public schools suspended classes, including work for teaching and non-teaching personnel.
“Padayon ang lokal nga panggamhanan sa pagmonitor sa lebel sa tubig sa mga kasapaan, ug magahatod og update bahin sa lakat sa panahon (The local government is continuously monitoring river water levels and will provide updates on weather conditions),” the Local Government Unit of Monkayo stated in a Facebook post.
Similarly, Compostela Mayor Levi Ebdao announced the suspension of work and classes in all schools, citing continuous heavy rains. He urged residents, especially those in flood- and landslide-prone areas, to stay alert.
In Maragusan, Mayor Angelito J. Cabalquinto declared a suspension of classes at all levels, as well as work in schools, following advice from the MDRRMO. Authorities also advised residents to stay vigilant and monitor weather updates.
Maco Mayor Arthur Carlos Voltaire R. Rimando suspended all classes to ensure student safety, especially for those living along the Masara lines, an area prone to landslides.
In Montevista, Mayor Cyrex L. Basalo also suspended classes due to continuous heavy rains since February 20, prioritizing the safety of students, teachers, and school personnel.
The Office of Civil Defense-Davao Region (OCD-Davao) issued heavy rainfall warning No. 21, cautioning residents about expected light to moderate rains across several areas as of 2 p.m. on the same day. Affected locations include parts of Davao Oriental, such as Governor Generoso, San Isidro, Mati City, Tarragona, Banaybanay, Lupon, Manay, and Caraga, as well as Kapalong, San Isidro, Asuncion, New Corella, and Talaingod in Davao del Norte.
Davao Occidental and Davao de Oro are also expected to experience rainfall.
OCD-Davao urged the public and local disaster response teams to remain vigilant and stay updated on further advisories. (RGP)