Several local government units across the Visayas and Bicol Region suspended classes on Friday, Dec. 5, as Tropical Depression Wilma continued to move closer to the Philippine landmass.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), Wilma was last located 575 kilometers east of Catarman, Northern Samar.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 has been raised over 13 areas, prompting precautionary measures from local officials, particularly in communities susceptible to strong winds and heavy rainfall.
In the Bicol Region, multiple towns in Albay — including Camalig, Oas, Guinobatan, Sto. Domingo, Polangui, Daraga, Libon, and Tabaco City — suspended face-to-face classes, with Oas declaring a full suspension for all levels in both public and private schools.
Camarines Sur also suspended classes in Tinambac for all levels, while parts of Sorsogon — particularly Castilla — halted in-person classes. Catanduanes implemented extensive class suspensions in Virac, Baras, Gigmoto, Panganiban, Viga, Caramoran, Bato, and Bagamanoc.
In Masbate, the towns of Placer, Pio V. Corpuz, Esperanza, San Fernando (Ticao Island), and Dimasalang suspended classes for all levels.
Local governments in Western Visayas, including Talisay City in Negros Occidental, also suspended face-to-face classes. In Central Visayas, several towns in Bohol — Clarin, Calape, and Garcia-Hernandez — ordered full suspension of classes, while Cebu’s Carcar and Naga halted in-person learning.
In Eastern Visayas, Tacloban City and the Leyte municipalities of Abuyog and Tanauan suspended classes for all levels. In Southern Leyte, Tomas Oppus, Sogod, and Bontoc issued class suspension orders as well.
Northern Samar likewise suspended classes for all levels across the entire province, along with the town of Calbiga in Samar.
Local authorities advised residents, especially those in low-lying and coastal areas, to remain alert for possible flooding, landslides, and worsening weather conditions as Wilma continues to enhance the northeast monsoon.