LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – The Bicol region is preparing for tropical cyclone “Uwan.”
Mayor Hisham Ismail here issued an executive order cancelling classes on Friday until further notice to safeguard the welfare of students, teachers, and school staff and give ample time for those traveling from different parts of Albay and nearby provinces to return home safely before severe weather sets in.
Also suspending classes in Albay province starting Friday until further notice to ensure the safety of students and school personnel were Santo Domingo, Camalig, Libon, Rapu-Rapu, Bacacay, Polangui, Daraga, Pio Duran, Oas, Guinobatan, Malilipot, Malinao, Jovellar, Tiwi, and Tabaco City.
In Catanduanes, Gov. Patrick Azanza ordered the suspension of classes early Friday.
“In view of the weather condition as super typhoon Uwan nears Luzon, classes on all levels in both public and private schools are hereby suspended. We urge students to take this opportunity to go home and stay with their respective families, or stay at the nearest place where they would be safe in case super typhoon Uwan hits our island-province,” Azanza said.
Camarines Sur also suspended classes Friday.
In the towns of Nabua and Balatan, classes were suspended at noon. Baao and Lupi followed suit, with Lupi Mayor Topi Jacinto declaring a suspension starting at 1 p.m.
Gremil Naz, spokesperson of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-Bicol, said the Bicol Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) is on red alert. All response teams and assets are on standby.
“This means close coordination with agencies, provincial and city DRRM offices, and readiness of all response units,” Naz said.
Authorities urged residents to monitor weather updates, prepare emergency kits, and remain indoors once the typhoon affects the region.