The Philippines suspended classes across several provinces on Tuesday (November 25) as tropical depression Verbena swept across Mindanao after making landfall in Bayabas, Surigao del Sur. The storm struck at 1:30pm on Monday (9:30am UAE time), according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), prompting widespread precautionary measures and the closure of schools in regions expected to experience heavy rain and strong winds.
Local governments in the Bicol region, the Visayas and parts of Mindanao announced class suspensions as authorities prepared for possible flooding, landslides and power interruptions. In Sorsogon, classes were suspended across all levels in both public and private schools. Albay shifted all its schools to alternative learning arrangements for Tuesday, with no face-to-face sessions allowed.
In Antique province, several towns suspended in-person classes due to anticipated severe weather. San Jose de Buenavista cancelled face-to-face classes from pre-school to senior high school and moved students to remote learning. The municipalities of Anini-y, Sibalom, Barbaza, Sebaste and Belison also suspended in-person learning across all levels. Tibiao and Hamtic cancelled classes entirely from pre-school through senior high school, while San Remigio and Valderrama halted classes in all public and private schools for the day.
Pagasa raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 across wide areas of Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao as Verbena continued moving along its track southeast of the archipelago. Forecasters warned that strong winds and moderate to heavy rains would likely affect regions under the signal, especially in low-lying and mountainous communities.
In Luzon, Signal No. 1 was hoisted over Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon and several areas in Palawan, including Araceli, Taytay, El Nido, Dumaran, Roxas and San Vicente, as well as the Calamian, Cuyo and Cagayancillo island groups. Mainland Masbate, including Balud, Mandaon, Milagros, Cawayan, Placer, Pio V. Corpuz, Esperanza, Uson, Dimasalang, Masbate City, Mobo, Palanas, Aroroy, Cataingan and Baleno, was also placed under the warning.
In the Visayas, the signal covered Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Cebu, Bohol, Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, Leyte and Southern Leyte. Residents were advised to monitor local alerts due to the risk of flash floods and landslides.
In Mindanao, Signal No. 1 was in effect for Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Camiguin and Misamis Oriental. The northern portion of Bukidnon, including Baungon, Libona, Manolo Fortich, Sumilao, Impasug-Ong, Malaybalay City, Malitbog and Cabanglasan, was also placed under the warning.
Emergency officials urged communities in storm-affected areas to remain alert and follow local advisories as Verbena continues its path across the country.
