TD Verbena halts classes, sea travel in Normin

CONTINUOUS heavy downpour brought by Tropical Depression Verbena prompted local chief executives across Northern Mindanao to suspend face-to-face classes and halt sea travel on Monday, Nov. 24, as the state weather bureau raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over the eastern portion of Misamis Oriental.

Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando A. Uy issued Executive Order No. 0446-2025A suspending face-to-face classes in all levels, from daycare to secondary, starting at 1:00 pm today, Nov. 24.

While the City Information Office reported that most major thoroughfares remain passable, it advised motorists that the Kauswagan Highway is currently obstructed due to the weather conditions.

Satellite photo courtesy of DOST-Pagasa

Provincial suspensions and warnings 

In its 11:00 am advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) placed the eastern portion of Misamis Oriental under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1. 

The warning covers Gingoog City and the municipalities of Magsaysay, Medina, Talisayan, Balingoan, Kinoguitan, Binuangan, Sugbongcogon, Salay, Lagonglong, Balingasag, Claveria, and Jasaan.

Classes at all levels were suspended early Monday in Gingoog City, Binuangan, Lagonglong, Sugbongcogon, El Salvador City, Magsaysay, Opol, Tagoloan, and Manticao. In Medina, Mayor Marriane Chan extended the suspension through Tuesday.

Gingoog City Mayor Erick Cañosa issued a specific warning to residents living near riverbanks and in landslide-prone coastal areas to remain vigilant. 

Similarly, Talisayan Mayor Ciriaco Talines suspended work for non-teaching staff, maintaining only essential emergency personnel.

Travel and weather outlook 

In the island province of Camiguin, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) temporarily suspended all vessel voyages. 

“Vessels that intend to take shelter shall be permitted as long as it is manifested through a written request, and no passenger or cargo will be allowed on board,” the PCG Camiguin’s advisory reads.

As of 3:00 am, Pagasa estimated the center of TD Verbena at 345 kilometers east of Surigao City, packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kph. The weather disturbance is forecast to dump 50–100 mm of rain over Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon within the next 24 hours.