Antique: The Antique provincial government has suspended classes in all levels and work on Monday to give time for people to prepare for the expected onslaught of Typhoon Tino. Antique Provincial Administrator Robin Rubinos, who presided over the Antique Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (PDRRMC) pre-disaster risk assessment at the Antique PDRRM Office in San Jose de Buenavista, said there is a need for the entire province to prepare for the typhoon.

According to Philippines News Agency, Typhoon Tino is expected to affect Panay Island, including Antique province, on Tuesday. ‘The class and work suspension is in order to give time for the people to prepare for the typhoon,’ Rubinos stated. Memorandum Order No. 100, signed by Governor Paolo Everardo Javier, announced that the suspension of classes and work is until further notice. However, offices that are vital for basic, vital and health services, such as the PDRRMO, Provincial Health Office, and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), remain operational.

The governor, in the Memorandum Order, encouraged private agencies, non-government agencies and other institutions to suspend work at the discretion of their office heads. Meanwhile, Antique PDRRMO chief Broderick Train disclosed that the Philippine Coast Guard has suspended sea transport due to the gale warning issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Train urged municipal and barangay officials to activate their emergency operation centers and identify safe evacuation centers. He advised residents, who choose not to evacuate, to ensure their homes are sturdy enough to withstand the strong winds from the typhoon. Train also requested the Antique PSWDO and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to have their family food packs ready for distribution.

During the meeting, it was presented that the DSWD is ready with 17,000 food packs to augment the 3,000 packs from the PSWDO.