LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – Acting Gov. Glenda Ong-Bongao suspended classes on all levels in this province effective 12 noon on Thursday, Nov. 14, in preparation for tropical cyclone “Man-Yi” which is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this week and be renamed “Pepito.”
Bongao said that the move will enable students, especially college students, to go home and be with their families during the onslaught of the tropical cyclone.
"School officials are also advised to prepare classrooms and properties for the potential impact of the storm and ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to protect school property and facilities," Bongao said.
On the other hand, work in government offices were suspended on Friday, Nov. 15, due to Man-Yi.
However, Bongao said that agencies whose functions are related to public safety, disaster risk reduction, health, and related services are exempted from the suspension.
"Offices must be secured before leaving. Exempted from the suspension of work in private institutions are banks, money transfer and remittance agencies, groceries, delivery services, distributors of commodities and supplies, and drug stores," she said.
Mass gatherings, outdoor activities, educational tours, and other related activities especially outside the province are also suspended.
"Previously issued permits for such activities are hereby revoked. Continuously monitor weather bulletins from PAGASA," she added.
Bongao said that there are no commercial and business transactions on Saturday, Nov. 16, to allow personnel enough time to return home safely and establishments to protect their investments and assets in a timely manner.
The town of Libon, this province, which was severely affected by tropical cyclone "Kristine" recently, have started evacuating residents at risk to landslide and flooding.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-Bicol suspended travel of buses and trucks for Visayas and Mindanao via Matnog Port in Matnog, Sorgoson due to Pepito at noon on Thursday.
“This decision is based on the recommendation of the Office of Civil Defense-Regional Office (OCDRO)-Bicol and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to prevent the buildup of stranded passengers and vehicles on Maharlika Highway and other major roads in areas expected to be affected by the storm," LTFRB-Bicol said.