LUCENA CITY – The local government of Santa Fe in the island province of Romblon has suspended classes and work in all government offices on Monday (Feb. 22) in anticipation of the effects of Tropical Storm Auring.
The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) announced the suspension on the local government’s Facebook page noontime Saturday (Feb 20).
The MDRRMC “declares suspension of classes in all levels, work to all LGU (local government unit) employees and other government offices in the municipality, except those offices involved in disaster response services on Monday, Feb. 22”.
Authorities explained that the suspension is “in order to prepare and secure their respective members of the family and properties” when Auring enters the vicinity of Santa Fe.
The suspension of work for private offices and establishments is left to the discretion of company managers and business owners.
The provincial government has yet to announce whether it will also suspend classes and government offices in the whole province.
Santa Fe Mayor Elsie Visca urged the public to stay alert and take precautionary measures in cases of hazards and risks.
Santa Fe lies on the southern tip of Tablas Island, the largest of the islands that comprise Romblon province.
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported that Auring maintained its strength on Saturday morning as it moved closer to Mindanao.
It is still packing maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and gusts of up to 90 kph.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal Number 1 remains in effect in some areas in Mindanao and Visayas.
Auring is predicted to cross the Visayas and Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) from Feb. 21 until Feb. 22.