“Haan tayo urayen nga adda mapasamak sakbay tayo agtake action” – Acting Prov'l Gov. Odiem on Kalinga work, class suspension despite absence of heavy rain

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Vice-Governor, currently Acting Provincial Governor, Dave Q. Odiem explained that the suspension of regular work in government offices and the shift to alternative learning modes in Kalinga today, September 1, are precautionary measures aimed at protecting residents, even as some areas of the province are not experiencing heavy rain.

The provincial government issued Memorandum Order No. 439, Series of 2026, following the directive of the Office of the President and in anticipation of continued heavy rainfall associated with the enhanced Southwest Monsoon or Habagat.

Why suspend activities even without heavy rain?

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera, Odiem said the decision was based on the possibility that weather conditions could worsen, rather than waiting for heavy rain or an emergency to occur before taking action.

He explained that Kalinga’s geography makes some communities more vulnerable during prolonged or heavy rainfall. Several barangays are located in highland and mountainous areas where landslides, falling rocks, flooding, and hazardous road conditions may occur when rain becomes intense or persists for a long period.

The province also has remote communities located far from town centers. Some residents and students have to travel long distances, and in some areas, walk considerable distances, to reach schools, government offices, and other service centers.

Because of these conditions, Odiem said authorities must consider not only the weather being experienced at the moment but also the possible risks that may develop as weather conditions change.

He also cited the latest weather advisory from PAGASA, which included Kalinga among the areas that may experience moderate to occasionally heavy rainfall.

Odiem said the suspension was intended to give residents, employees, and students an opportunity to remain in safer places before potentially hazardous conditions develop.

“Haan tayo pailang urayen nga ada mapasamak bago tayo agtake action. This is a preventive measure, meaning tapno maagapan tayo ti possible incidents, to ensure the safety of our people, especially our employees and ken dagitoy students, karo dagitoy ada ti mountainous areas tayo, in case the weather condition worsens ket malapdan tayo ti anya man nga incidente,” Odiem said in Ilocano.

Under the memorandum, government offices in the province are directed to implement appropriate Alternative Work Arrangements (AWA) on September 1.

The suspension, however, does not cover offices providing basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response, and other vital services. These offices are required to continue operating to ensure that essential government services remain available.

Public and private schools are likewise directed to implement Alternative Learning Modes (ALM) and other learning continuity measures in accordance with existing rules.

Activities moved to September 3

The provincial government also moved the kick-off activities for the 126th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary GRANDANG HR: The Kalinga Public Service Convergence Lumin-awa Kalinga, including the Walk for Health and the Opening of the Governor’s Cup, from September 1 to September 3.

The postponement was intended to avoid exposing participants to unnecessary risks should rainfall intensify and affect travel and outdoor activities.

Odiem stressed that preventive action should be taken before weather-related incidents occur, especially in a province where some communities are located in mountainous and remote areas.

“Preparedness should come before the danger. Even without heavy rain at the moment, iconsider tayo ah latta ti weather forecast ti PAG-ASA,” Odiem added.

Odiem serving as acting governor

Odiem has been designated as Acting Provincial Governor of Kalinga during the official travel of Governor James S. Edduba to Malaysia from August 28 to September 1, 2026, through Memorandum Order No. 436, Series of 2026.

The designation, issued on August 25, 2026, authorizes Odiem to perform the key duties and functions of the Office of the Provincial Governor during Edduba’s absence.