‘Suspension not because of rain, but because of slippery road, saturated soil, and possible landslide’ – Mayor Malannag warns Balbalan residents

BALBALAN, Kalinga — Balbalan Mayor Almar Malannag urged residents to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel as the municipal government suspended in-person work and classes on September 1, 2026, citing the risks posed by slippery roads, saturated soil and possible landslides despite generally fair weather in some parts of the municipality.

The suspension was implemented as a proactive measure amid the enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) and in accordance with the national government's directive.

Anchored on Memorandum Circular No. 132 issued by the Office of the President, Malannag issued Memorandum Order No. 85, suspending in-person work and classes in the municipality on Tuesday.

Malannag explained that the decision was not based solely on the weather conditions being experienced in Balbalan at the time.

He said the municipality's mountainous terrain and the long distances traveled by many employees and students to reach their workplaces and schools were also considered.

“The suspension is not because of the rain you see outside your window. It is because of the road that has turned slippery, the soil that is already saturated, and the landslides that give no warning before they fall. Weather may look calm in one barangay while another is already in danger. We cannot gamble with that. We will never risk a single life just to complete a single working day,” he said.

Safety over work, classes

Malannag said proactive measures are preferable to waiting for Habagat-related incidents to occur, particularly given Balbalan's mountainous terrain and vulnerability to landslides and other hazards.

He added that academic backlogs and work deadlines should not take precedence over the safety of residents.

The mayor also called on iBalbalan residents to remain vigilant and limit unnecessary travel while monitoring weather and local government advisories.

“Stay home. Stay updated. Avoid unnecessary travel. Check on your elders and your neighbors. This is not for us alone – this is for all of us,” he said.

The municipal government continues to remind residents in hazard-prone areas to exercise caution, particularly when traveling along mountainous and potentially landslide-prone roads.