Cagayan Valley Areas Suspend Classes Due to Tropical Storm Crising
On Friday, July 18, 2025, eleven towns and one city in Cagayan Valley suspended classes at all levels as Tropical Storm Crising unleashed heavy rains and strong winds across the region. The class suspension covered the entire spectrum from preschool to Grade 12, including Alternative Learning System (ALS) programs.
In Cagayan province, the towns of Sta. Praxedes, Claveria, Abulug, Sta. Ana, Lal-lo, Gonzaga, Sanchez Mira, Sto. Niño, Enrile, and Peñablanca halted classes. Tuguegarao City, the provincial capital, also joined the suspension. Meanwhile, in Isabela province, coastal towns such as Palanan, Maconacon, Divilacan, and Dinapigue, along with San Mariano, Echague, and Ilagan City, followed suit due to the storm’s impact.
Residents Brave the Storm to Secure Food
Despite the challenging weather, some locals continued their daily activities. In Baculod village, Ilagan City, 35-year-old housekeeper Josephine Delleza ventured out to fish in the Pinacanauan River to feed her family. “We only caught small ones, but it’s enough for a meal,” she shared in Filipino.
Similarly, fishermen Jonathan Suyu, 24, and Efren Manalo, 59, attempted fishing along the Cagayan River but struggled as the river’s rising water levels made fishing difficult. “The river’s water level keeps rising, making it difficult to fish,” said Suyu.
Authorities Implement Safety Measures During the Storm
Officials also took precautionary steps to safeguard residents. Magat Dam authorities postponed a planned water release due to minimal rainfall in the watershed areas of Isabela and Ifugao, according to local engineers.
Moreover, a liquor ban was imposed across Isabela and Cagayan, including Tuguegarao City, prohibiting the sale, purchase, and consumption of alcohol in public spaces. This move aims to prevent emergencies and maintain public order amid the storm.
To prepare for potential flooding, Task Force Lingkod Cagayan–Quick Response Team (TFLC-QRT) dispatched units to flood-prone areas across seven stations. Tree-pruning activities were also carried out along major roads in Tuguegarao and Peñablanca to reduce the risk of falling trees.
Monitoring Water Levels and Bridge Safety
Water levels at key bridges were closely monitored to anticipate flooding risks. As of Friday, Buntun Bridge registered 1.75 meters, Tumauini Bridge 1.45 meters, Gamu Bridge 0.65 meters, and Pangal Bridge 0.46 meters. Local authorities remain vigilant to ensure public safety as the storm progresses.
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