NOW ON ITS FOURTH WEEK Monsoon rain batters CAR
TOURISTS will have to endure ice cold rain as the long weekend still lure visitors despite the monsoon plaguing a drenched Baguio City and the rest of the Cordillera region.
Philippine Atmospheric Geographical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) rainfall monitoring since August 10 to August 21 has reached 1,180.97mm with nonstop deluge experienced in the city now on its fourth week.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government has asked also asked the
local government units to restrict tourism activities like hiking, diving and mountaineering within the areas of jurisdiction.
Baguio City including the municipalities of Itogon, Tublay, and Mankayan in Benguet; Besao in Mountain Province and the province of Abra suspended classes in all levels.
The towns of Atok, La Trinidad, Buguias, Tuba, Kapangan, and Kibungan in Benguet suspended classes from pre-school to secondary while classes in pre-school to elementary level where are halted in Bokod and several schools in Kabayan, Benguet.
In Sagada, Mountain Province, all waterfall and cave tours are were suspended on August 24 until further notice due to continuous-rain causing water level to rise.
At the Mount Pulag National Park, climbs, hikes and treks via Babadak Trail (Ambangeg) have likewise been suspended due to bad weather with alternate trails still closed.
A suspension of mining activities in Benguet has also been directed by the DILG.
Major roads leading to the city remain open Marcos Highway, Baguio-Bauang, Baguio-Bontoc Road except for Kennon Road which has been closed since June to ensure safety of motorists and the Benguet – Nueva Vizcaya Road which was closed to traffic since August 17 due to road slips, motorists are advised to take the alternate route of the Suyoc-Beckel Provincial Road.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also reported an initial count of damaged homes (total and partial) in the province totaling to 146 broken down to 22 in Benguet, Mt. Province with 72, Abra with 39, and Baguio City with 13.
As of August 23, the DSWD reported 3,477 affected families and 15,019 in Abra, Benguet and Mountain Province.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reported an increasing damage totaling P46,493,727.51 as of August 23.
DA and the BFAR said crop damage is pegged at P32,821,014.51; livestock at P640,280; facilities with 1,100,000, fisheries at P1,247,433.
Although Tropical Depression Luis did not have a direct effect in the country, PAG-ASA said it will continue to enhance the Southwest Moonsoon bringing moderate to heavy rains in the Cordillera region.
PAGASA added Luis has weakened slightly as it travel slowly towards the west coast of Taiwan.
Residents in these areas, especially those living near river channels, in low-lying areas and in mountainous areas are advised to take appropriate actions against possible flooding and landslides. some members of the Magnificent 7 opposition bloc led by Rep. Edcel C. Lagman in filing the complaint with the Office of the House Secretary General.
Joining him in the petition are Akbayan Rep. Tomas Villarin and Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano.