Tacloban city: Several local government units in Eastern Visayas have taken precautionary measures by suspending work in the government and classes at all levels as Tropical Depression Wilma continues to bring heavy rains to the region since Thursday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez issued Executive Order (EO) No. 2025-12-68, which suspends classes in both public and private schools, as well as government work, within the city. The directive is in place to ensure the safety of residents as authorities expect Wilma to cause widespread disruptions. "The safety and general welfare of government personnel, students, teachers, and the general public must be prioritized during adverse weather conditions," Romualdez stated in the EO.
In Southern Leyte province, Governor Damian Mercado has followed suit by issuing EO No. 62-2025, suspending classes at all levels in both public and private institutions to ensure the safety of learners. Similar directives have been issued by Eastern Samar Governor Ralp Vincent Evardone, Northern Samar Governor Harris Ongchuan, and Biliran Governor Rogelio Espina.
Several mayors across Leyte and Samar provinces have also issued executive orders to suspend classes and government work due to a heavy rainfall warning and the hoisting of Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 1 in the region's six provinces.
As of 8 a.m. on Friday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that the center of the tropical depression was estimated at 235 km east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar. The cyclone is moving southwestward at 15 kilometers per hour (kph), carrying maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center and gusts of up to 55 kph.
Meanwhile, PAGASA has warned of potential flooding and landslides in Leyte and Samar provinces due to heavy rains caused by a low-pressure area and shearline. Several rivers in six provinces are likely to be affected by the downpour, including Sangputan, Palo, Solano, and others in Leyte; Catarman, Bugko, and more in Northern Samar; and various rivers in Eastern Samar, Samar, Southern Leyte, and Biliran province.
