Classes, works, and sea travels cancelled
TACLOBAN CITY– Classes and works were cancelled on Friday, Nov.15, in Eastern Visayas amid the threat of severe tropical storm ‘Pepito’ which is projected to hit the region on weekend.
Suspension of classes and works, especially in public offices, were issued in the entire provinces of Samar,Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar.
The move was to ensure the safety of the public, said Governors Sharee Ann Tan of Samar and Edwin Ongchuan of Northern Samar citing the reason for the cancellation.
In Tacloban City, the regional center, City Mayor Alfred Romualdez as early as 5 am on Friday, posted on his social media account of his decision to cancel classes in all levels, be it in public or private schools, and work in government offices based in the city as part of the preemptive measure, effective noon of that day.
On Thursday, Nov.14, the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, gathered all the city’s village chairmen to discuss needed precautionary measures and identify evacuation centers in case there is a need.
Several local government units in the province of Biliran, including its provincial capital of Naval, also cancelled both classes and work due to Pepito which has an international name of ‘Man-yi.’
The mayors of these towns directed their constituents not to wait to be ordered to evacuate.
Residents in several parts in Northern Samar, particularly those facing the Pacific Ocean, to be on alert for any possible storm surges.
Among these towns include Allen, Bobon, Capul, Catarman, Victoria, San Isidro, Laoang, Palapag Gamay, Mapanas, San Roque, Pambujan, San Jose, Mondragon, Lavezares, San Vicente and San Antonio.
Sea travels within and outside the region were also banned by the Philippine Coast Guard in the wake of the threat of Pepito.
In Eastern Samar, Gov. Ben Evardone has also directed all fishermen not to venture to the seas during this time.
The Eastern Samar provincial government has also prepositioned more than 1,000 sacks of rice and over 2,000 canned goods to be distributed to families who could be affected by the severe tropical storm.
The management of the Eastern Samar State University based in Borongan City has also asked students who are just renting boarding houses, especially if these are located in danger zones, to return to their respective hometowns amid the threat of Pepito.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has asked all local government units in the region to refrain from holding any public mass gathering due to Pepito.
As of morning Friday, signal number 1 was raised in the provinces of Eastern Samar and Northern Samar which is expected to bring moderate to heavy rains, and was last located 795 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, moving westward at 25 kilometers per hour (kph) and carrying maximum sustained winds of 110 kph and gustiness of up to 135 kph.
JOEY A. GABIETA
