Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte issued Proclamation No. 05 Series of 2023 suspending classes in all levels in public and private schools in Davao City on Friday, November 17, 2023, due to expected rainshowers and thunderstorms.
The mayor also ordered the adoption of the Work-From-Home (WFH) arrangement in government offices in the city.
The twin measures are part of the city government’s efforts to safeguard the welfare of the public and undertake measures to avert any untoward incidents or disasters that may be caused by the effects of a weather occurrence,
On November 16, 2023, the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA)-Mindanao PAGASA Regional Services Division (MPRSD) issued weather outlook forecasting Davao City on Friday to experience cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms due to combined effect of Shear Line and Trough of Low Pressure Area (LPA).
The mayor also underscored that the WFH arrangement shall be adopted in all national and local government offices, including government-owned and controlled corporations in Davao City, except for offices performing safety and security, health, social services and disaster and emergency response services.
Mayor Baste stated that private offices and establishments are given the discretion to suspend work or adopt WFH arrangements, but are encouraged to do so for the safety and convenience of their employees.
The Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) has recommended the suspension of classes at all levels and the adoption of a work-from-home arrangement for government offices in Davao City upon assessment of said special weather outlook.
Last week, several barangays in Davao City were flooded and many families were displaced due to hours of heavy downpour.
Among the areas severely flooded were Susana Homes in Baliok, Toril, and Samantha Subdivision in Bago Gallera.
Based on the last assessment of CDRRMO, 476 families or 722 individuals were affected in Barangay Bago Aplaya; 1,011 families comprised of 1,600 individuals with 10 recorded injuries and three houses damaged in Bago Gallera; 421 families in Bago Gallera; 475 families comprised of 2,230 individuals in Catalunan Pequeno; seven families or 10 individuals in Barangay Ma-a; 1,800 families in Talomo Proper; and 1,612 families in Matina Aplaya.
