Baguio suspends classes as southwest monsoon brings heavy rainfall

BAGUIO CITY — Authorities in the summer capital announced the suspension of all face-to-face classes Friday following an escalation in weather warnings prompted by the southwest monsoon system.

The Baguio City Public Information Office confirmed the class suspension across all levels—from preschool to Grade 12—affecting thousands of students in the city and surrounding areas. The decision came after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration raised an orange-level rainfall warning over Baguio City and Benguet province, indicating significant precipitation and potential flooding risks.

Local officials issued the alert early Friday morning to allow schools and families adequate time to adjust their schedules. The orange warning classification signals dangerous conditions requiring public vigilance and preparedness measures.

The southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, has been bringing sustained heavy rainfall across portions of Luzon in recent days. Residents in affected areas have been advised to exercise caution near waterways and in flood-prone communities as the weather system persists over the region.