By el Amigo
MANILA — Several local governments and schools suspended face-to-face classes on Thursday, August 13, as the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat continued to bring unfavorable weather conditions in parts of the country.
The affected areas include portions of Batangas, Benguet, Bulacan, Cavite, the National Capital Region, Pampanga, Rizal and Zambales, with some localities shifting to alternative or asynchronous learning arrangements.
In Batangas, Calatagan moved preschool through high school public and private classes to an alternative delivery mode.
Several municipalities in Benguet also suspended classes at various grade levels. These included Atok, Buguias, Kapangan, Kabayan, La Trinidad, Sablan and Tublay. Some suspensions in Atok and Buguias were extended through Friday, August 14.
In Bulacan, Malolos City halted face-to-face classes in public and private schools and ordered the use of an alternative learning setup.
Across Cavite, class suspensions covered Bacoor, Cavite City, General Trias, Kawit, Noveleta and Tanza. Depending on the locality, the orders covered all grade levels and either public schools or both public and private institutions.
Several cities in the National Capital Region likewise suspended face-to-face classes, particularly for the afternoon.
These included Marikina, Valenzuela, Malabon, Quezon City, Caloocan, Mandaluyong, Makati, Pasig, Parañaque, San Juan and Manila. Some local governments shifted affected learners to alternative delivery modes.
In Quezon City, the suspension covered afternoon face-to-face classes for Child Development Centers, Kindergarten and Grades 1 to 12 in public schools. Similar afternoon suspensions were announced in other cities, with coverage varying according to local government directives.
Several universities also adjusted their academic activities. The University of Santo Tomas suspended afternoon classes and work and shifted to an enriched virtual mode, while the University of the East campuses in Manila and Caloocan moved to asynchronous learning.
In Pampanga, Guagua suspended face-to-face classes in public and private schools and shifted to an alternative learning arrangement.
In Rizal, class suspensions were reported in Antipolo City, Cainta, Cardona, Morong, Taytay and Teresa, with several localities covering all levels in public and private schools.
A wider suspension was also declared in numerous parts of Zambales, including Candelaria, Sta. Cruz, Cabangan, Botolan, Subic, Castillejos, San Felipe, Masinloc, San Antonio, San Narciso, Iba, Palauig and San Marcelino. Olongapo City suspended classes from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
Authorities continued to advise students, parents and school personnel to monitor official announcements, as weather conditions may change and additional suspension orders could be issued.
Local governments may also announce localized adjustments depending on rainfall, flooding and other weather-related hazards in their respective areas.
elamigo/xf
