Albay Suspends Face-to-Face Classes Due to Typhoon Wilma on Friday

Classes Suspended,Alerts Raised as Tropical Depression Wilma Impacts the Philippines

Manila,Philippines – December 5,2025 – A combination of Tropical Depression Wilma and a prevailing shear line is bringing heavy rainfall to several regions of the Philippines,prompting class suspensions and heightened alerts.

Face-to-face classes have been suspended in Albay province today, December 5th, as a precautionary measure against the inclement weather. Albay is currently under a heightened state of alert, anticipating continued heavy rains.

Signal No. 1 has been raised over twelve areas across the eastern Visayas and Mindanao regions, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Management (PAGASA). these areas are experiencing, or are expected to experience, winds strong enough to possibly disrupt daily activities.

The affected regions are bracing for continued rainfall and are advised to take necessary precautions. Residents are encouraged to monitor weather updates from PAGASA and local authorities.

This is a developing situation, and further updates will be provided as they become available.

What specific weather conditions prompted the Albay provincial government to suspend face-to-face classes?

Understanding the Class Suspension order

On December 5, 2025, the Albay provincial government announced the suspension of all face-to-face classes on Friday, December 6, 2025, due to the impending arrival of typhoon Wilma. This precautionary measure aims to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and non-teaching personnel across all levels – from elementary school to higher education – within the Albay province. The decision was made following assessments by the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) and in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) Albay.

Scope of the Suspension: Which Schools are Affected?

The suspension covers all public and private schools, including:

* Elementary Schools: All levels, kindergarten through grade six.

* High Schools: Junior and senior high school students.

* Colleges and Universities: All tertiary education institutions within Albay.

* Vocational Schools: Technical-vocational training centers.

* Learning Centers: Including alternative learning systems (ALS) programs.

This province-wide suspension impacts numerous cities and municipalities within Albay, including Legazpi City, Daraga, Tabaco City, and others. residents should check local news sources for specific updates related to their municipality.

Why Was the Suspension Necessary? – Typhoon Wilma’s Threat

Typhoon wilma, a Category 3 storm as of the latest PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Governance) update, is projected to make landfall near the Bicol Region, with Albay directly in its path. Key concerns prompting the class suspension include:

* Strong Winds: Expected to reach sustained speeds of 150-185 km/h, posing a significant risk to infrastructure and potentially causing power outages.

* Heavy Rainfall: Anticipated rainfall amounts could exceed 300mm within a 24-hour period, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides.

* storm Surge: Coastal areas of Albay are vulnerable to storm surges, potentially displacing residents and damaging properties.

* Landslide risk: The mountainous terrain of Albay makes it especially susceptible to landslides during periods of heavy rainfall.

Alternative Learning Arrangements

While face-to-face classes are suspended, the DepEd Albay encourages schools to implement alternative learning modalities where feasible. These may include:

1. Online Learning: Utilizing online platforms and learning management systems (LMS) for remote instruction.
2. Modular Learning: distributing self-learning modules to students for autonomous study.
3. Radio/TV-Based instruction: Leveraging radio and television broadcasts to deliver educational content.
4. Asynchronous Activities: Assigning tasks and projects that students can complete independently.

Teachers are advised to adjust their lesson plans accordingly and provide clear instructions to students regarding alternative learning arrangements. parents are encouraged to support their children’s learning during the suspension period.

Safety Guidelines During Typhoon Wilma

Beyond the class suspension,residents of Albay are urged to take the following safety precautions:

* Stay Indoors: Seek shelter in a safe and sturdy building.

* Monitor Weather Updates: Regularly check PAGASA’s website (https://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/) and local news channels for the latest updates on Typhoon Wilma.

* Secure Belongings: Protect valuable items from potential damage caused by strong winds and flooding.

* Prepare Emergency Kits: Assemble a kit containing essential supplies such as food, water, frist-aid supplies, flashlights, and batteries.

* Be Aware of Evacuation Centers: Know the location of designated evacuation centers in your area.

* Report Emergencies: Contact local authorities immediately in case of emergencies.

Previous Typhoon Impacts in Albay: Lessons Learned

Albay has a history of being heavily impacted by typhoons. Remembering past events, such as Typhoon Rolly (Goni) in 2020 and Typhoon tisoy (Kammuri) in 2019, highlights the importance of proactive disaster preparedness. These past experiences have led to improvements in early warning systems,evacuation procedures,and infrastructure resilience. The current suspension of classes is a direct application of lessons learned from these previous events, prioritizing the safety of the community.

Resources for Further Information

* PAGASA: https://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/ – Official weather updates and forecasts.

* NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council): https://www.ndrrmc.gov.ph/ – National disaster response information.

* Albay Provincial Government Website: (Check for official announcements and updates)

* DepEd Albay: (Contact for school-specific information)