The three provinces in the island of Samar brace for the impact of Severe Tropical Storm “Opong” (international name: Bualoi) by declaring a suspension of classes and government work.

The Provincial Governments of Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Samar have all declared suspension of government work and classes for Thursday, September 25, 2025. 

"In light of the potential impact of Severe Tropical Storm Opong and upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, all government work and classes at all levels (public and private) in Northern Samar are suspended tomorrow, September 25, 2025," said Governor Harris Christopher Ongchuan in an official post evening on September 24, 2025. 

However, the suspension of work in the private sector is "left to the discretion of individual employers." 

"We urge everyone to prioritize safety and stay informed about weather updates," the governor's post added. 

Eastern Samar Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone ordered the "suspension of work in government offices and classes in all levels, both public and private, across Eastern Samar on September 25, 2025, as #OpongPH threatens the province."

Further, the governor's directive reads that, "essential agencies such as health, disaster preparedness, and emergency services will continue operations, while private companies may decide at their discretion."

Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan has issued Executive Order No. 19, Series of 2025, declaring the "suspension of classes in all levels in  public and private schools and suspension of work in all government offices in the Province of Samar on September 25, 2025 due to Severe Tropical Storm Opong."

The Provincial Government of Samar, in a post on Samar Public Information Office, urges everyone to "remain alert, prioritize safety, and monitor official advisories from PAGASA and local authorities."

State weather bureau PAGASA issued Tropical Cyclone Bulletin Number 5 as #OpongPH intensifies into a severe tropical storm over the Philippine Sea, as of 5 p.m. on September 24, 2025. 

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal Number 2 (gale-force winds) is hoisted over Northern Samar and the northern portion of Eastern Samar, over the towns of San Policarpo, Oras, Jipapad, and Arteche towns. 

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal Number 1 (strong winds) is hoisted over Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate; and Samar, the rest of Eastern Samar, Biliran, and the northern portion of Leyte (Barugo, San Miguel, Babatngon, Tacloban City, Calubian, Leyte, Capoocan, Carigara, Palô).

As of 4 p.m., the center of #OpongPH was estimated based on all available data at 670 km East of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte (10.0°N, 131.6°E), packing maximum sustained winds of 95 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 115 km/h, and central pressure of 990 hPa.

#OpongPH is moving west northwestward at 20 km/h, with strong to storm-force winds extending outwards up to 450 km from the center. 

(Courtesy: Governor Harris Christopher Ongchuan/The Provincial Government of Northern Samar, Eastern Samar Provincial Information Office, Samar Public Information Office, DOST-PAGASA)