ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY — At least 33 local government units (LGUs) across the Zamboanga Peninsula suspended classes on Tuesday, November 4, as heavy rains and strong winds brought by Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) lashed parts of Mindanao, raising threats of flooding and landslides.
In Zamboanga del Norte, all 25 municipalities and the cities of Dipolog and Dapitan declared class suspensions at all levels, citing the persistent downpour and precautionary alerts from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).
In Zamboanga Sibugay, the municipalities of Ipil, Naga, Kabasalan, and Siay issued similar orders, while Dumingag in Zamboanga del Sur also halted in-person learning as a safety measure. Zamboanga City followed suit, issuing an advisory suspending classes in both public and private schools.
The Department of Education (DepEd) said local government units have the discretion to suspend classes based on localized assessments of weather disturbances and hazard risks.
Why class suspensions are necessary
Typhoon Tino’s outer rainbands have dumped heavy rainfall over the peninsula since Sunday night, saturating the soil in low-lying and upland areas. The PAGASA regional weather station in Dipolog City recorded rainfall intensity ranging from moderate to heavy, while river levels in Sibugay and Ipil Rivers rose significantly.
Authorities warned that even short bursts of intense rainfall could trigger flash floods or landslides, particularly in areas with deforested slopes or poor drainage systems.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD)–Region IX also advised LGUs to remain on alert for possible evacuations as rainfall may persist through Wednesday, with Typhoon Tino moving northwest across the Visayas.
Local governments were urged to continue monitoring PAGASA advisories and activate contingency plans for possible worsening of weather conditions.
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