Negros oriental: Several local government units (LGUs) in Negros Oriental suspended classes on Friday due to heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon (habagat) enhanced by Tropical Storm Kiyapo. The affected LGUs include Dauin, Zamboanguita, Sibulan, Pamplona, Sta. Catalina, and Siaton.

According to Philippines News Agency, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) chief Adrian Sedillo stated that the province remains on standby alert. However, no recommendation has been made to Governor Manuel Sagarbarria to suspend classes province-wide. "According to the state weather bureau, Negros Oriental is expected to experience moderate to at times heavy rainfall today," Sedillo explained. The decisions by the affected LGUs were based on actual weather conditions, as several areas had already been experiencing rainfall on Friday.

Sedillo further elaborated that some municipalities might have also opted to suspend classes based on previous experiences. This often happens whenever the province is placed under the yellow rainfall warning, which indicates accumulated rainfall of 50 to 100 millimeters within three hours and may trigger localized flooding.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Negros Oriental has not suspended sea travel but continues to monitor weather conditions closely. Lt. Marionne Abigal Enopia, chief of PCG-Negros Oriental, stated that personnel are closely monitoring the coastlines and reminding residents and mariners to remain vigilant amid inclement weather.

In Sta. Catalina town, the mayor is meeting with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office following the overflow of the Sicopong River earlier this week, as reported by Capt. Stephen Jaynard Polinar, spokesperson for the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office. Polinar, quoting the town's police chief, mentioned that the Sicopong River overflowed on Wednesday, but water levels have since receded.

Source: Philippine News Agency