Tropical Depression Crising and the enhanced southwest monsoon forced local governments to suspend classes across several provinces in Luzon and Visayas on Friday, July 18, 2025. The weather system continued to dump moderate to heavy rains across vulnerable areas, triggering fears of flash floods and landslides.
As of 5:50 p.m. Thursday, 10 municipalities and cities confirmed the cancellation of in-person classes at various levels. The Department of Education and local disaster offices advised communities to monitor announcements as more areas could follow.
Luzon provinces halt in-person learning due to persistent rains
In Camarines Norte, the municipality of Daet ordered the suspension of face-to-face classes from preschool to senior high school in both public and private schools. Local authorities cited safety concerns due to continuous rainfall that flooded several low-lying areas.
Laguna province also canceled in-person classes across all education levels. Public and private schools from preschool to senior high school were advised to shift to asynchronous or modular learning formats.
In Rizal province, the municipality of Morong suspended face-to-face classes in all levels. Emergency responders were placed on alert in case of potential flooding along riverbanks and mountain slopes. Local officials encouraged residents to stay indoors unless travel was necessary.
Meteorologists from PAGASA earlier warned of localized thunderstorms and increased rainfall intensity in these areas as Crising interacted with the southwest monsoon. The state weather bureau placed portions of the Bicol and Calabarzon regions under weather watch advisories.
Negros Island and Western Visayas implement widespread shutdowns
In the Visayas, several areas under the Negros Island Region and Western Visayas issued full class suspensions. The following localities confirmed closures for all levels, both public and private:
- Binalbagan, Calatrava, Sipalay City, and Talisay City in Negros Occidental
- Belison, Hamtic, and Valderrama in the province of Antique
Hamtic specifically suspended only face-to-face classes for preschool to senior high school. All affected schools were instructed to implement remote learning or distribute printed modules. Local officials in these municipalities mobilized quick-response teams to monitor rivers, drainage canals, and roads for potential hazards.
Crising brought intermittent rainfall across central Philippines, reducing visibility and affecting both land and sea transportation. Fisherfolk and small boat operators were advised to stay ashore due to rough coastal waters.
National agencies call for caution as weather worsens
The Department of Education reiterated its policy allowing local chief executives to decide on class suspensions during extreme weather. Regional directors were tasked with closely coordinating with local disaster risk reduction offices to ensure timely advisories.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) advised parents and students to heed local announcements and avoid crossing swollen creeks or rivers. Reports of minor flooding in certain barangays prompted temporary evacuation of some residents in low-lying communities.
While Crising was not expected to make direct landfall, the system’s interaction with the southwest monsoon continued to enhance rainfall in parts of southern Luzon and the Visayas. PAGASA forecasted that the storm may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Sunday, July 20, depending on its movement.
Authorities prepare for additional alerts
As of Thursday night, more areas were under review for potential suspensions. Several governors and mayors convened emergency meetings to assess the local impact of Crising’s outer rainbands.
Classes remained unaffected in Metro Manila and most northern provinces. However, weather advisories noted a high probability of scattered thunderstorms in the capital and nearby regions.
Airlines and ferry operators were also advised to monitor advisories. Some domestic flights and inter-island routes experienced delays due to bad weather over southern routes. The Civil Aviation Authority and Philippine Coast Guard heightened their alert status.
Parents across affected regions were urged to prepare emergency kits and stock up on basic supplies as the weather system remained unstable.
With forecasts predicting continued rains through the weekend, school officials, especially in rural areas prone to flooding, remain on edge for possible extended closures.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.