No classes today and tomorrow

CEBU, Philippines - Classes in all levels in Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor have been suspended today and tomorrow in anticipation of typhoon Yolanda.

Yolanda entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) dawn today and is expected to make landfall tomorrow morning.

Governor Hilario Davide III announced the suspension in Cebu after a meeting with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) yesterday. He said it is better to suspend classes early so that students will remain in their respective homes once the storm hits.

Aside from students’ safety, PDRRMC head Neil Sanchez also said most schools would also be used as evacuation centers when necessary. He, nevertheless, said it is not advisable to use the schools on a long-term basis because classes would also need to resume immediately once suspension is lifted.

He said part of the local government units’ responsibility is to provide safe evacuation centers like gymnasiums or sports complexes in barangays.

Let everyone prepare

Mayor Michael Rama, meanwhile, encouraged employers to give their workers a chance to prepare for the storm.

Work at the Cebu City Hall continues today but is suspended tomorrow.

PAGASA Mactan chief Engr. Oscar Tabada said yesterday that heavy rains can be expected today and expected to intensify Friday.

There are 531 classrooms damaged by the powerful magnitude 7.2, but Cebu City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Rhea Mar Angtud assured that public schools may still be used as evacuation centers upon assessment from City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and city engineering.

“Cebu City has a total of about 4,000 classrooms so even if we have 531 damaged by the earthquake, our schools can still serve as evacuation centers if ever,” Angtud said.

DepEd has also ordered principals and teachers of public schools in Mandaue City to make their schools available as evacuation centers.

DepEd administrator Benjamin Tiongson also said it is possible that private schools in the city may also be utilized as evacuation centers. — AJ A. Dela Torre – Orong, Jessa J. Agua, Flor Z. Perolina and Raffy Cabristante/JMO