Many classes still suspended in Valenzuela City

It isn’t back to normal in Valenzuela City after the heavy rains.

Although power has been restored 100 percent, classes were still suspended in some schools on Monday after floodwaters caused by the heavy rainfall brought by Typhoon “Pedring” have not completely subsided.

The local government, meanwhile, is planning to declare a state of calamity in 16 barangays (villages), according to Ahna Mejia, chief public information officer.

Although floodwaters have gone down, he said the declaration of a state of calamity would greatly facilitate rehabilitation efforts in these areas.

The barangays represent 10 percent of the entire city and were the worst-affected by the heavy rains last week.

Chest-deep floodwaters were reported in Balangkas and Palasan.

The other barangays that were heavily flooded were Dalandanan, Pulo, Pasolo, Coloong, Bisig, Malanday, Tagalag, Isla, Wawang Pulo, Poblacion, Arkong Bato, Rincon, Mabolo and Pariancillo Villa, according to Mejia.

The list of the 16 barangays has already been submitted to the city council for approval.

Meanwhile, local officials suspended classes at Wawang Pulo Elementary School, Wawang Pulo Annex, A. Deato Elementary School, Pio Valenzuela Elementary School and Isla Elementary School to give way to rehabilitation work.

Classes were also suspended at Tagalag Elementary School, Coloong Elementary School, PR San Diego Elementary School, Pasolo Elementary School, Rincon Elementary School, A. Fernando Elementary School, Dalandanan National High School, Polo National High School and Arkong Bato National High School.

Carmela Sabino, clerk I of the North District Office of the Department of Education-Valenzuela, said  the suspension, which applies to preschool and high school levels, would continue until the floods have completely subsided.

In PR San Diego Elementary School, Wawang Pulo Elementary School, Wawang Pulo Annex A, Deato Elementary School and Isla Elementary School, floodwaters were at knee-deep level.

The rest of the schools experienced ankle-deep floodwaters, based on reports from school officials.

Teachers in the affected schools will hold make-up classes on Saturdays, Sabino added.

She was not sure, however, whether the suspension would be lifted by Tuesday.