Mayor suspends March 19 classes in Davao Occidental due to ‘Chedeng’

DIGOS CITY – The local government of Jose Abad Santos ordered the suspension of school classes in all levels on Tuesday, March 19, due to Tropical Depression “Chedeng.”

Mayor Jimmy Joyce said he issued the suspension of school classes to ensure the safety of residents and let the public prepare for Chedeng, which would hit land in nearby Davao Oriental province.

Joyce also advised residents along the shore, riverbanks and hilly mountains to temporarily transfer to safer areas.

Fishermen with small vessels are likewise advised not to sail on Tuesday.

“We must take precautionary measures and better (be) safe than sorry,” Joyce said.

Signal No. 1 was hoisted over Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao del Sur, Davao City, General Santos City, Davao Occidental, southern portion of Davao del Norte including Samal Island, eastern portion of North Cotabato, eastern portion of North Cotabato, and eastern portion of Sarangani, according to the state weather bureau.

Chedeng was last spotted 445 kilometers east of Davao City, packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 60 kph, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration also said. /kga