Davao Region Activates Blue Alert and Suspends Classes as Tropical Storm Basyang Approaches
The Davao Region in Mindanao is bracing for impact as several local government units (LGUs) have suspended classes and elevated their disaster response status to Blue Alert. This precautionary measure follows a weather advisory from the state weather bureau warning of potential heavy rainfall brought by Tropical Storm Basyang.
Widespread Class Suspensions Across Davao Provinces
In response to the tropical cyclone wind signal number one (TCWS No. 1) issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-Pagasa), the City Government of Davao has announced the suspension of classes at all levels in both public and private schools. The suspension is effective from February 5 to 6, 2026, ensuring the safety of students and educators.
Municipalities in Davao de Oro have also taken similar actions, with class suspensions implemented in New Bataan, Compostela, Maragusan, Montevista, Nabunturan, Mawab, Maco, Pantukan, Mabini, Monkayo, and Laak. The provincial government has further suspended work in all government offices through an official memorandum, although emergency services will continue operations. Employees are advised to prioritize safety and stay updated with official advisories.
Additionally, municipalities in Davao del Norte have followed suit, suspending classes in Panabo City, Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos), Sto. Tomas, San Isidro, Kapalong, Carmen, New Corella, Braulio E. Dujali, Asuncion, and Talaingod.
Enhanced Disaster Response and Maritime Safety Measures
Disaster response teams in Igacos, Tagum, and Davao City have raised their operations center status to Blue Alert. This alert level was activated after a low-pressure area (LPA) developed into Tropical Storm Basyang, signaling intensified monitoring and faster mobilization to protect residents, particularly those in high-risk areas.
In a move to ensure maritime safety, the Coast Guard Southeastern Mindanao has issued sea travel advisory number 001-2026. This advisory suspends the operations of all watercraft within Southern Mindanao that are traversing routes to Luzon and the Visayas. All vessels departing from Southeastern Mindanao and heading toward or transiting the Visayas Region are also halted.
The advisory emphasizes that mariners, vessel operators, and passengers must adhere to the provisions of PCG Memorandum Circular 02-23, which outlines revised guidelines for vessel movement during heavy weather conditions.
Prepositioned Relief Goods and Regional Preparedness
The Department of Social Welfare and Development–Davao Region (DSWD-Davao) has identified three provinces potentially affected by Tropical Storm Basyang: Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, and Davao de Oro. In preparation, the department has allocated P3 million in standby funds for emergency response efforts.
Lennon Remotigue, the disaster response operations management, information, and communication focal person of DSWD-Davao, detailed the preparedness measures. These include resources for mobile kitchens, welfare goods handling, 91,807 family food packs, and 26,259 non-food items.
DSWD-Davao has prepositioned family food packs across the region to ensure swift distribution. The allocations are as follows:
- 6,970 packs in Davao Oriental
- 8,031 packs in Davao de Oro
- 2,776 packs in Davao del Norte
- 2,822 packs in Davao del Sur
- 3,938 packs in Davao Occidental
According to DOST-Pagasa, as of 8 p.m. on February 4, 2026, Tropical Depression Basyang, monitored within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), intensified into a tropical storm with the international name Penha. This development underscores the need for continued vigilance and adherence to safety protocols across the Davao Region.
