School closure proposed for July 18, according to Oscar Tabada's suggestion
Cebu City, Philippines, is gearing up for a bout of heavy rain and potential flooding on July 18, 2025, as the enhanced southwest monsoon (Habagat) approaches. Meteorologist Oscar Tabada, tapped to work as a resident meteorologist for the Cebu City Government, has recommended the suspension of classes as a precautionary measure.
Tabada's recommendation is based on his past experience with similar weather patterns, particularly when storms approach northern and eastern Luzon. He emphasised the importance of precautionary measures, including class suspensions, for public safety. When asked about the need for class suspension, Tabada stated that the southwest monsoon (Habagat) becomes strong when a storm approaches the eastern side or northern Luzon.
As of July 17, 2025, several local government units (LGUs) in Metro Cebu have already suspended in-person classes due to inclement weather. This includes Talisay and Lapu-Lapu cities, with decisions made in consultation with educational and disaster teams.
The public is urged to stay alert for updates from the local government and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). PAGASA has issued an Orange Rainfall warning, which indicates heavy to intense rainfall that can cause flooding and landslides. This warning prompts LGUs to take proactive measures to ensure public safety.
The enhanced Habagat, influenced by Tropical Depression Crising, is expected to intensify rainfall across the Visayas, including Cebu. Crising is likely to intensify into a tropical storm by Thursday night and approach northern Luzon by Friday morning, enhancing the Habagat's effect.
Worsening weather conditions in Cebu City have already led to flooding in low-lying areas and traffic disruptions. Residents, especially those in flood-prone areas, are advised to take necessary safety precautions. The public should remain vigilant and follow official advisories to ensure their safety.
In light of the worsening weather conditions, it is essential for the public to heed official advisories and be prepared to take necessary safety measures. The local government and Pagasa will issue official advisories regarding the weather conditions, and the public should stay tuned for updates.
- Residents of Cebu City, as the issuance of an Orange Rainfall warning from PAGASA signals heavy to intense rainfall that can cause flooding and landslides, should be prepared to heed official advisories from the local government and PAGASA, and take necessary safety measures, especially those living in flood-prone areas.
- Given the worsening weather conditions in Cebu City, with the enhanced Habagat expected to intensify rainfall across the Visayas, the Cebu City Government's decision to suspend classes by following Meteorologist Oscar Tabada's recommendation, supports the importance of precautionary measures issued by the government for public safety.
