DAVAO CITY — The local government of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur suspended work in government offices starting Wednesday afternoon (Dec. 15) until Thursday (Dec. 16) as a precautionary measure in anticipation of the coming of severe tropical storm Odette.
Hinatuan Municipal Mayor Shem Garay signed Memorandum Order No. 24 Series of 2021 on Wednesday which provided for the suspension of work in government offices effective 1:00 pm today.
The memorandum was issued upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
"The safety of everyone is our utmost concern, especially this time that we are anticipating Severe Tropical Storm Odette," the memorandum read.
The memorandum provided that medical and health workers "shall only be required to render duty if the situation warrants."
"Nonetheless, they are included in the coverage of this work suspension," it added.
However, the memorandum excludes all emergency responders and ecological solid waste management employees who are required to report on the said dates.
In its local weather forecast issued 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said as of 10:00 a.m. "the center of Typhoon “#OdettePH” was estimated based on all available data at 590 km East of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur (8.8°N, 131.7°E)."
PAGASA said it has a "maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 150 km/h, and central pressure of 975 hPa.
PAGASA added that Odette is moving westward at 20 km/h. The Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 is in effect in the eastern portion of Surigao del Norte (Claver, Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands) and Surigao del Sur.
"Today through tomorrow early morning: Light to moderate with at times heavy rains are possible over Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Islands, and Southern Leyte due to the trough and the outermost rain bands of “ODETTE”," it added.
The local government unit of Hinatuan also encouraged private companies to implement the same work suspension for their employees.
"Work suspension on these offices and work stations shall be based on the discretion of the management," it added.
In Davao de Oro province, Monkayo Municipal Mayor Ramil Gentugaya suspended classes in all levels starting Tuesday, Dec.14 until Dec. 15.
Montevista Municipal Mayor Eutropio Jayectin also suspended office works and classes last Tuesday. Jayectin said the suspension shall be "extended if the situation requires."