MONITORING. The Bacolod City Command Center at the old city hall monitors the status of Tropical Depression Agaton as well as areas affected by heavy rainfall on Monday (April 11, 2022). In Bacolod, face-to-face classes in seven public elementary and high schools have been suspended due to inclement weather. (Photo courtesy of Bacolod City DRRMO) BACOLOD CITY - Some local government units in Negros Occidental, including this capital city, declared suspension of work and classes on Monday due to Tropical Depression Agaton. In coordination with the city government, the Department of Education Schools Division Office of Bacolod City suspended face-to-face classes in seven schools amid moderate to heavy rains. Based on the list provided by Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Reynaldo Gico, classes have been suspended at Alangilan National High School, Alangilan Farm School, Rafael Alunan Elementary School, Alberto Arceo Sr. Elementary School, Apolinario Mabini Elementary School, Andres Bonifacio Elementary School, and Education and Training Center School III. In adjacent Talisay City, Mayor Neil Lizares III also suspended classes up to senior high school. "Please keep safe, monitor and stay alert," Lizares told his constituents in a statement. Classes, as well as work in private and public offices, are also suspended in Murcia town. "No government work except in offices involved in emergency services," Mayor Victor Gerardo Rojas said in a statement. In E.B. Magalona town, Mayor Marvin Malacon suspended classes in all levels and work in government offices. "Under these (weather) conditions and considering the antecedent rainfall, suspension of classes and work in government offices is imperative," Malacon said in Executive Order 29, series of 2022. The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has been making preparations for the possible effects of bad weather since the weekend. On Monday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said "moderate to heavy with at times intense rains" are expected over the northern portion of Negros Occidental. Over the weekend, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council placed Western Visayas, including Negros Occidental and Bacolod City, under red alert and categorized the region's emergency preparedness response as Charlie protocol or high risk. (PNA) }