Early class dismissalsin Metro Cebu cities

CEBU, Philippines — The heavy downpour and flooding experienced in Metro Cebu yesterday led the chief executives of the tri-cities to declare the early dismissal of classes in all public and private schools.

In Cebu City, at around 1:08 p.m., Mayor Nestor Archival issued an advisory instructing school administrators to ensure the safe and orderly release of students. This was based on the urgent recommendation of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO).

The directive came as heavy rainfall battered the metropolis again, raising fears of widespread flooding similar to the deluge that submerged most barangays the previous day.

Parents and guardians were also urged to immediately fetch their children or arrange secure transportation home.

“This proactive measure is being taken to protect our students, teachers, and school personnel from the potential dangers posed by the expected adverse weather conditions,” the statement read.

Archival emphasized that the city government would continue monitoring conditions and issue further advisories as needed.

City Councilor Dave Tumulak, chairman of the CCDRRMC, said the recommendation was made to prevent students from being stranded in schools.

“We learned from yesterday’s flooding that water levels can rise quickly, leaving children stuck for hours. We want them home safe before that happens again,” Tumulak explained.

A day earlier, the CCDRRMO’s Special Rescue Squad (SRS), working with the Tisa Fire Brigade, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and volunteer groups, responded to stranded residents in La Paloma Village in Barangay Tisa.

Rising waters reached approximately three meters, carrying debris such as logs, corrugated sheets, and e-bikes.

Teams successfully rescued three individuals: a 74-year-old man, a 63-year-old man, and a 23-year-old woman. In addition, two houses were washed away in Sitio Esperanza, also in Barangay Tisa, affecting at least six individuals.

According to Tumulak, rainfall between 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on July 30 measured 22.2 millimeters at the Mactan rain gauge.

This volume equated to 111,000 barrels of water per square kilometer, comparable to roughly nine Olympic-sized swimming pools.

The sheer volume overwhelmed drainage systems, contributing to the rapid rise of floodwaters across urban barangays.

Yesterday, by mid-afternoon, CCDRRMO monitoring confirmed knee-deep flooding in Talamban's Family Park area and at Il Corso along the South Road Properties (SRP).

A collapsed riprap was reported on Esperanza Street in Barangay Tisa, affecting nearby homes. Disaster responders reported structural damage to houses, though no casualties were recorded.

Barangay disaster responders also documented flooding in Capitol, Basak Pardo, and T. Padilla, underscoring the extent of the inundation across the city.

Archival reiterated the importance of vigilance and adherence to official advisories.

Meanwhile, classes in all public and private schools in Lapu-Lapu City and Mandaue City were also dismissed early yesterday afternoon after local officials ordered the measure due to heavy rains, flooding in some areas, and adverse weather conditions.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan said the decision was made following the issuance of a Yellow Rainfall Warning by PAGASA.

She said parents and guardians should coordinate with their respective schools regarding dismissal arrangements and ensure the safe travel of their children.

“I also urge everyone to remain vigilant, monitor official weather advisories, and take the necessary precautions as weather conditions may change throughout the day,” the mayor added.

In Mandaue City, Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano also ordered the early dismissal of classes in all public and private schools based on the recommendation of the CDRRMO.

According to Ouano, school heads had earlier been instructed to implement localized class suspensions or early dismissals depending on the prevailing conditions in their respective schools and barangays.

“Parents and guardians are encouraged to immediately fetch their children or make the necessary arrangements for their safe return home,” Ouano said.

As early as 11 a.m. yesterday, students of Mayor A.S. Fortuna Memorial Elementary School in Barangay Guizo, Mandaue City, were sent home after school officials suspended face-to-face classes due to heavy rainfall that began around 10 a.m.

School Physical Facilities Coordinator Moises Menderico told reporters that parents were immediately contacted and advised to pick up their children early to prevent a repeat of Thursday’s incident.

“Ganeha naay klase, pagtan-aw namo nga murag dako naman sad ang tubig mintras wala pa nagsugod og taas, amo nalang gi pull out ang mga estudyante,” said Menderico.

He added that they would not allow the children to go home on their own and that parents or guardians had to fetch the students.

“Natagam man gud mi gahapon (Thursday) gud kay dugay nabuhian ba, mao tong pagdako sa tubig gipang rescue sa CDRRMO nga boat,” Menderico said.

Parents later arrived at the school, some wading through floodwaters to fetch their children.

Jessie Villegas, a parent who fetched his fifth-grade son, said his wife messaged him while he was at work, asking him to pick up their child from school.

Villegas said he immediately fetched his son, especially after what happened on Thursday afternoon when floodwaters rose rapidly and he was unable to get him because he was also at work.

“Hugaw baya kaayo na ang tubig gikan pa na sa sapa, di gyud maayo nga mahumol ang mga bata sa tubig,” he said.

Earlier in the day, students, teachers, and school personnel cleaned classrooms and the school grounds, removing mud, floodwater, and debris left by Thursday’s flooding in preparation for the resumption of classes.

On Thursday, July 30, several students were trapped inside the school after floodwaters rose rapidly. They were later evacuated by personnel from the CDRRMO, with assistance from the Guizo Barangay Emergency Response Team (BERT), using rubber boats. (CEBU NEWS)