In Cebu City, no work, no classes amid ‘Agaton’

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has declared a state of calamity in the city due to the effects of Tropical Storm Agaton.

Part of Rama's announcement read:

"I am declaring a No Work Day tomorrow, Lunes, Abril 11. Wala’y trabaho ugma, both government and private sectors.

"Sa mga universities and colleges nga nag-face-to-face na, wala lang usa ugma. Pls shift to online option.

"Sa mga BPOs, kon BPM, ug mga IT companies ug call centers, you may continue operating for as long as you ensure the safety of your employees."

Minor landslides were reported and some people were evacuated to safe grounds in Cebu City yesterday due to sustained rains and strong winds brought by the typhoon.

The city government also announced yesterday that face-to-face classes today in public schools and work at the City Hall, except that of frontline workers, are suspended because of the inclement weather condition.

In the private sector, managements of establishments are allowed to order work to continue for as long as they can ensure that their workers have transportation back home.

For its part, Cebu City Medical Center is already on code white to prepare for emergency medical situation amid the typhoon.

Mayor Michael Rama said a few residents have already been evacuated, especially those living near danger zones.

In Barangay Budlaan, two families and several other individuals were moved to another place after the incessant rains brought by Agaton loosened the soil near their homes, causing a minor landslide.

Those affected are now staying at the barangay evacuation center.

Earlier, the city government also cordoned off five houses in Barangay Mabolo after being tagged as a “danger zone” due to possible flooding in the area.

Residents of cordoned houses were also brought to the evacuation center for shelter and have not yet returned home.

A landslide was also reported in Sitio Kalumboyan, Barangay Toong yesterday, but responders were able to already clear the road and cut the coconut tree that fell on the road which also caused the landslide.

A portion of the road in Busay also had a minor landslide caused by the roots of a dead tree.

Aside from that, the city disaster team headed by Anderson Comar cleared obstructions in some mountains areas, mostly from fallen branches and trees.

Rama had also instructed the clearing of rivers and creeks to avoid flooding.

The city's PROBE team readily responded and cleared the portion of Kamputhaw river at the bridge on T. Padilla between Gaisano Saversmart and the barangay public market. Among those recovered were garbage, mostly plastic bottles, and wrappers, stuck underneath allowing an unimpeded flow of rainwater.

The other rivers and creeks in the city have also been continuously monitored.

The Department of Social Welfare and Services personnel also had a busy day yesterday packing some relief goods for evacuees while the Pardo Elementary School and Lorega-San Miguel gym have been prepared now as evacuation centers.

The  Cebu City Medical Center, on the other hand, is already on code white, which means all doctors, especially surgeons, are being told to get ready.

The city government is also in coordination with other hospitals, including private hospitals, through an electronic referral system. — Sanden J. Anadia, JMD (FREEMAN)