Albay, Camarines Sur schools closed until January 4

MANILA, Philippines — Classes in Naga City and the provinces of Albay and Camarines Sur are suspended until Friday in light of the devastation brought by Tropical Depression Usman. 

Albay Gov. Al Francis Bichara said the suspension will allow the cleaning and preparation of classrooms that were affected by the floods that hit the province. 

This is also in consideration of the teachers and students affected by the heavy downpour last week, he said. 

Camarines Sur Gov. Miguel Luis Villafuerte said the province-wide suspension of classes would give families more time to recover. 

The province is currently under state of calamity. 

Meanwhile, Naga City Mayor John Bongat said there are barangays still flooded due to “abnormally” high water levels in Bicol and Naga rivers. 

“Reports have also reached this office of the massive flooding and damage caused by Typhoon Usman to neighboring municipalities which will make it difficult for students residing in those communities to attend classes in schools located in Naga City,” he added. 

The school division of Sorsogon said school heads in affected areas may suspend classes after prior consultation with and concurrence of local officials.

School personnel, including both teaching and non-teaching staff, are required to report for work today. 

Education Undersecretary Annalyn Sevilla said the resumption of classes will push through unless suspension was declared by local officials. 

“Respective school division offices that are directly affected by Usman have the discretion to suspend classes if needed. They need to closely coordinate with local disaster units and respective DepEd regional offices,” she said.