HEAVY RAINFALL. Due to the continuous heavy rains, floods, and mudflows are seen in some parts of Barangays Moning and Guinsaanan in Baras, Catanduanes on Tuesday (Jan. 6, 2026). Catanduanes is now experiencing heavy rainfall due to the shearline. (Photo courtesy of Baras MDRRMO Facebook page)
LEGAZPI CITY – Classes at all levels, both public and private, have been suspended in Sorsogon and in several towns in Albay and Catanduanes due to the ongoing effects of the shear line that brought heavy rainfall to different parts of the Bicol region on Tuesday.
In an executive order issued Monday night, Sorsogon Governor Edwin Hamor ordered the suspension of classes to ensure the safety and welfare of students, teaching and non-teaching personnel, and the general public.
“Schools may opt to conduct alternative learning activities such as online classes or modular tasks, provided that they take into consideration the situation, accessibility, and living conditions of their students, especially those affected by the prevailing weather disturbance,” the order read.
Hamor also reminded all local chief executives in the province to continuously monitor their respective areas and implement necessary precautionary measures.
In Catanduanes, the local chief executives of Viga, Bato, Virac, San Andres, San Miguel, Pandan, Gigmoto, Baras, Panganiban, and Bagamanoc suspended face-to-face classes at all levels due to heavy rainfall.
In Albay, the local government units (LGUs) of Bacacay, Tiwi, Tabaco City, Sto. Domingo, Malilipot, and Malinao maintained their earlier suspension orders, while the LGUs of Rapu-Rapu and Legazpi City also suspended classes.
Mayor Hisham Ismail said the suspension is necessary for everyone’s safety.
“Schools are advised to use alternative modes of learning,” he said.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued a heavy rainfall advisory for the Bicol Region due to the shear line.
Associated hazards of flooding are threatening low-lying areas and communities near river channels. Landslides are threatening landslide-prone areas.
Meanwhile, moderate to heavy rains are expected over Camarines Sur (Calabanga, Naga City, Pili, Ocampo, Baao, Iriga City, Buhi, Bato, Nabua, Balatan, Bula, Minalabac, San Fernando, Pamplona, Gainza, Milaor, Canaman, Camaligan, Magarao, Bombon), Albay (Polangui, Oas, Ligao City, Guinobatan, Camalig, Daraga, Legazpi City, Santo Domingo, Manito, Pioduran, Jovellar, Libon), and Sorsogon.
The conditions are currently being experienced in Camarines Sur (Caramoan, Garchitorena, Lagonoy, Presentacion, Siruma, Tinambac, Goa, San Jose, Tigaon, Sagñay), Albay (Tiwi, Malinao, Tabaco City, Malilipot, Bacacay, Rapu-Rapu).
The public and concerned Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices are advised to monitor the weather conditions and watch for the next warning. (PNA)