Floods force suspension of classes in 12 brgys. in Valenzuela

Floods forced the suspension of classes in 12 barangays (villages) in Valenzuela City Friday, even as the Department of Education (DepEd) said classes will go on in other parts of Metro Manila. In a telephone interview with GMANews.TV, Valenzuela City public information officer Marither Menia said the suspension covered both public and private schools in the elementary and high school levels in the 12 areas. The villages wherein classes were suspended include: 1. Wawang Pulo 2. Balangkas 3. Poblacion 4. Palasan 5. Arkong Bato 6. Tagalag 7. Isla 8. Pasolo 9. Rincon 10. Coloong 11. Malanday 12. Polo These villages cover at least 15 private and public elementary and high schools, Menia said.

According to DepEd Metro Manila director Teresita Domalanta, the DepEd has no reason to order class suspensions as Metro Manila is not under any storm signal due to typhoon "Kiko." But Domalanta said it is up to the local authorities to suspend classes if they see fit. "As usual, kung walang signal, discretion na po ng ating local official at school official depende sa situation ng kanilang mga lugar (As usual, if there is no storm signal, we leave it to the discretion of local and school officials, depending on the situation in their areas)," she said on radio dzBB. Rains brought about by typhoon "Kiko" has made some roads in the Valenzuela City not passable to light vehicles due to floodwaters 12 to 23 inches deep. Other areas in Malabon City were also not passable to light vehicles due to 14-25 inches deep floodwaters. - Johanna Camille Sisante, GMANews.TV