Classes, work suspended in Bicol region, Oriental Mindoro due to ‘Quinta’

LEGAZPI CITY — The local government units of Albay, Sorsogon, and Naga City in Camarines Sur, all in the Bicol region, and in Oriental Mindoro province have declared a suspension of work and classes in all public and private schools due to the effects of Typhoon Quinta (international name: Molave).

Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara, in an advisory, said the online and blended learning in schools and work in public and private sectors will be suspended on Monday (October 26) to allow communities to restore and repair the damage caused by the typhoon.

In Sorsogon, Governor Francis “Chiz” Escudero also ordered the suspension of classes in all levels in public and private schools from October 26 to 27.

Mayor Nelson Legacion of Naga City said classes at all levels and work in government offices were ordered suspended from Sunday afternoon until Monday. The distribution of modules was also canceled.

All private establishments were also advised to close at 5 p.m. on Sunday to ensure the safety of the employees.

Work in government offices and private institutions, as well as classes on all levels, in public and in private schools in Oriental Mindoro were also suspended on Monday, according to an executive order by Governor Humerlito Dolor.

“This is a pre-emptive measure in anticipation of the disruption as may be caused by typhoon Quinta,” Dolor said.

However, the suspension does not include offices involved in disaster-preparedness and hospitals.

Typhoon Quinta is expected to hit Oriental Mindoro Sunday night or Monday.

Meanwhile, at least 27 families or 96 individuals from Barangay (village) Buhuan in Calapan City were evacuated by Calapan Public Safety Department (CPSD) since 5 p.m.

CPSD chief Nelson Aboboto said they have earlier talked with officials in coastal villages and reminded residents to cooperate when they need to be evacuated.

As a precaution against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spread, only one to two families are allowed to share a vehicle on the way to the evacuation center.

At the evacuation center, only one family or six individuals will be allowed to occupy a room.

It used to be 10 people before the pandemic, said Aboboto.

Authorities are also monitoring rivers like Bucayao, Longos, and Panggalaan in this city for possibility of overflow.#