Class Suspensions Announced in Several Philippine Areas Due to Southwest Monsoon

Class suspensions were announced in several areas across the Philippines on Tuesday, September 8, as the southwest monsoon, locally known as "habagat," brought widespread rain to Luzon and the Visayas. Municipalities in Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Central Luzon, and parts of the Ilocos Region suspended face-to-face classes for all levels, from kindergarten to university. In Metro Manila, Las Piñas City declared a suspension of classes for all levels in both public and private schools. Valenzuela City also suspended face-to-face classes for all levels. In the Calabarzon region, several towns in Batangas province, including Balayan, Calaca City, Calatagan, Lemery, Lian, Nasugbu, Taal, and Tuy, suspended face-to-face classes for all levels. In Cavite province, General Trias City and Naic City also suspended face-to-face classes for all levels. In Central Luzon, Calumpit in Bulacan province suspended classes for all levels. In Pampanga, San Simon suspended face-to-face classes until Friday, while Santo Tomas suspended them until Saturday. Sasmuan City also suspended face-to-face classes for all levels. In the Ilocos Region, several towns in Pangasinan province, including Binmaley, Malasiqui, Mangaldan, Mangatarem, and San Carlos City, suspended face-to-face classes for all levels. The suspensions were issued as the "habagat" continues to bring more rain to Luzon and the Visayas. Local and national authorities are expected to make further announcements as the situation develops, and this list will be updated accordingly. These disruptions are common during the monsoon season in the Philippines, often leading to class suspensions and transport delays, directly impacting residents, especially those in areas with vulnerable infrastructure or living in low-lying communities.