SAN JOSE, Antique – Classes from preschool to senior high school in four municipalities were suspended Thursday due to enhanced monsoon rains brought by typhoon Ompong.
The local governments of Sebaste, Hamtic, Culasi, and San Remigio wanted to make sure schoolchildren were safe, said Broderick Train, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
The suspensions covered private and public schools.
“In fact, the [local government] of Hamtic already suspended their classes yesterday (Wednesday),” Train said.
The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils of all 18 towns in Antique have been activated on the order of Gov. Rhodora J. Cadiao on Sept. 10.
“The MDRRMCs are closely monitoring their local situations,” Train said.
Moreover his office and the Culasis MDRRMC were closely monitoring northern Antique, which was near Luzon, where some areas have been placed under Signal No. 1.
“Although Antique is not directly covered by the [path of the] typhoon, we are monitoring the monsoon rains,” Train said.
Meanwhile the Antique Police Provincial Office was ready to augment the PDRRMC personnel if needed.
“We have trained search and rescue personnel ready to assist the PDRRMC,” said Superintendent Norby Escobar, deputy director for operations.
The Antique police can use their vehicles and other resources in times of calamity, Escobar pointed out. (PNA)
