NAGA CITY, Camarines Sur (PIA) – City Mayor Nelson Legacion has extended the suspension of classes for all levels from November 4 to November 10 due to ongoing recovery efforts following the impact of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, which struck the city on October 22-23.
According to a recent report from the City Solid Waste Management Office (CSWMO), an average of 607.37 tons of garbage is being collected daily from the major streets of the city.
This volume is five times greater than the amount of garbage collected in a single day before the storm hit, according to City Public Information Officer Allen Reondanga.
“The 12-day clearing period has resulted in a volume of garbage equivalent to what would typically be collected over 48 days in Naga City,” he explained. The CSWMO estimated that at least 4,000 tons of garbage will accumulate until the clearing operations are completed, not including regular domestic waste collected during normal operations.
Addressing the health and safety concerns of both students and teachers, Legacion said the suspension of classes “will allow us to continue recovery operations and provide the community with the necessary time to begin healing and stabilization.”
Legacion also announced a tentative resumption of classes on November 11, which will depend on assessments and the discretion of the school to ensure public safety.
“We respectfully call on able-bodied students, parents, and faculty members to assist in the clearing and cleaning of classrooms and school grounds as part of a community effort,” the mayor urged.
Two weeks after the catastrophe, the city government is focusing on major clearing operations and relief distributions in evacuation areas.
Approximately 70 percent of the population living in downtown areas experienced flooding, with water levels reaching up to 12 feet.
“Floodwaters washed out key roads and bridges, causing significant damage to buildings,” Legacion said.
Ron Maestro, a resident of the city said: “Thank you sa mga volunteers na mayong ibang hangad kundi makatabang daeng pasahod! Pasalamatan ta ang mga leg workers asin volunteers na talagang nagpaturo nin ganot! Nagsakripisyo para makapagserbi sa panahon na arog kaini!
(Thank you to all the volunteers who selflessly serve without expecting any salary. We should express our gratitude to the dedicated workers and volunteers who have made sacrifices to serve during this challenging time.)
Ana Satur from Barangay Tinago in Naga City expressed her appreciation to the city government for extending the class suspension.
“Hangang ngonyan po dae pa kami tarapos magralaba kan mga bado nagkabarasa,” Satur said. “Saka marayo pa mga sapatos asin mga mga uniform si mga studyante ko po.”
(We still have not finished washing our clothes that were submerged in floodwaters, as well as my children’s shoes and school uniforms.)
Raymond Gregorio also supported the decision to suspend classes.
“Good job, mayor. The students affected by the flooding in Naga are still psychologically drained. They need more time to recover,” Gregorio said.#
(Photo courtesy of Naga City Government)
