Gov. Chaco Sagarbarria ordered the suspension of all government work and classes in all public and private schools in Negros Oriental amid strong rains brought by the southwest monsoon.
In Executive Order 51 issued Friday morning, Sagarbarria cited a report from PAGASA that said heavy rains in Negros Oriental may persist until the weekend.
“It is imperative to implement a localized cancellation or suspension of work in government offices and in-person classes at all levels as a precautionary measure to mitigate the potential risks associated with the inclement weather,” Sagarbarria said in his Order.
He cited Section 16 of Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code that authorizes local government units to ensure and promote health and safety and preserve the comfort and convenience of their inhabitants.
The same Executive Order leaves to the management of private companies the authority to suspend or cancel their operations.
Rains pounded most of Negros Oriental Thursday and Friday, forcing evacuations in Siaton due to the flooding of the Canaway River as well as placing several portions of the southern highway underwater.
The Provincial Disaster Risk-Reduction & Management Office was placed on alert, which has responded Thursday to the evacuation of residents of riverside communities in Siaton. (AP)
