• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
There will be no classes today, Friday, September 13, in 13 local government units of Negros Occidental, due to expected rain from the enhanced southwest monsoon, also known as ‘habagat’.
The southwest monsoon is being enhanced by tropical storm Bebinca, which remains outside of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
As ordered by their respective mayors, classes in all levels, both in public and private schools, have been suspended in E.B. Magalona, Pulupandan, Isabela, Cauayan, Binalbagan, Hinobaan, Candoni, Hinigaran, and the cities of Sipalay, Kabankalan, Himamaylan, La Carlota and Bago.
However, work in government offices shall continue, according to E.B. Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon. At the same time, he advised Saraviahanons to brace for flooding that is expected in low lying areas, while landslides may also take place in mountainous areas.
Mayor John Rey Tabujara, in an advisory said they are expecting moderate to heavy rainfall in Cauayan.
Moises Padilla, on the other hand, announced that public schools will shift to alternative learning modalities.
Tropical cyclone Bebinca is still outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) but is enhancing the southwest monsoon or “habagat”, the state weather bureau said Thursday.
As of last night., Bebinca was last tracked 1,975 km. east of Central Luzon and is expected to enter PAR today. Once it enters the PAR, the tropical cyclone will be called “Ferdie”, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
It forecasts Bebinca’s trough to bring scattered rains and thunderstorms in Eastern Visayas, Caraga, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate.
It will also cause isolated rain showers or thunderstorms in Cagayan Valley, Aurora, Quezon, and the rest of the Bicol Region.
The habagat, on the other hand, will bring scattered rains and thunderstorms in Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, Romblon, and the rest of the Visayas and Mindanao.
Moderate to heavy rains in those areas could result in flash floods or landslides, PAGASA said.
Meanwhile, the rest of Mimaropa and Calabarzon will have isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the habagat, and the same weather will be experienced in Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon, due to localized thunderstorms.* with PNA reports
