Ilocos Sur suspends classes in 25 towns, cities as monsoon rains persist

SAN ILDEFONSO, Ilocos Sur — Twenty-five local government units in Ilocos Sur have halted face-to-face instruction Monday due to sustained heavy rainfall brought by the southwest monsoon, according to provincial authorities.

The class suspensions, affecting 23 municipalities and two cities, were implemented as weather conditions deteriorated across the province over the weekend. Provincial officials cited safety concerns for students and teachers as the primary reason for the measure, noting that persistent rains have made travel hazardous in several communities.

To mitigate disruption to the academic calendar, the provincial government has activated alternative learning arrangements, allowing students to continue their studies through remote modalities where feasible. Officials emphasized that the suspension remains in effect pending improvement in weather conditions and road accessibility.

The southwest monsoon, locally known as the "habagat," typically brings heavy rainfall to western portions of Luzon and the Visayas during this season. Provincial disaster management officials urged residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders if issued by their respective municipal authorities.