Pagudpud: In-person classes at all education levels in both public and private schools in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte have been suspended until Friday to facilitate recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Nando, internationally known as Ragasa, in the region. The decision was formalized through Executive Order No. 46 issued by Pagudpud Mayor Rafael Ralph Benemerito II, who emphasized the need to address the damage in schools to ensure the safety of students before resuming face-to-face classes.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Benemerito stated, "The safety of our school children is a primordial concern of the local government." He further noted that a government team is currently assessing the damage across various schools, and school heads have been advised to ensure that students remain at home during this period of suspension.

Pagudpud was one of the hardest-hit areas in Ilocos Norte by Nando, which struck Northern Luzon on Monday and exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility the following day. By Thursday noon, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) in Ilocos Norte reported approximately PHP41 million in initial damage to schools.

"Our validating team from the DRRMO and Engineering [Office] are conducting field validations in various schools. The strong winds of Nando caused so much damage particularly in the northern part of the province. It's good it did not rain so hard. It could have been worse," stated Valerie Gabriana Talamayan, the designated information officer of the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte, in an interview with the Philippine News Agency.

As of Thursday noon, the latest PDRRMO report estimates damage in Ilocos Norte at PHP99,919,214 for agriculture and PHP950,988 for infrastructure.