Rains cancel classes, work in provinces

HEAVY rains brought about by the southwest monsoon enhanced by tropical storm Gorio prompted the suspension of classes and work in government offices in the provinces, particularly Bataan and Cavite, on Wednesday.

The rains worsened flooding caused by high tide in some seaside villages in Balanga City, Bataan.

Gov. Albert Garcia ordered the suspension of classes in all levels in public and private schools in the city and 11 towns at 12 noon as the Philippines Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration ( Pagasa) raised the yellow warning in Bataan.

Resident Zeny Garcia, a retired public high school teacher, said Barangay Puerto Rivas Ibaba and Puerto Rivas Itaas have been under floodwaters for five days, as well as some parts of Barangay Tortugas.

She added that they have been plagued by the same problem for many years and the city government has repaired the village road, increasing the elevation three times, but the problem has not been solved.

Tricycle driver Jun- Jun Santos said the rains that have worsened the flood affected their livelihood and he and other residents had to wade through flooded streets that have become impassable for tricycles.

Cavite Gov. Jesus Crispin Remulla also suspended classes in all levels at about 10:30 a.m. throughout the province because of heavy rains as he expected that areas in coastal towns.

Also in Rodriguez, Rizal, classes in both public and private preschools up to senior high schools were also suspended.

Pagasa earlier forecast cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms in Southern Luzon affecting Calabarzon ( Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Mimaropa ( Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), the northwestern part of Luzon, Central Luzon and Metro Manila.