CLASSES in several areas across the country were suspended or shifted to alternative learning modes on Thursday, Jan. 15, as Tropical Depression Ada intensified and threatened to bring strong winds and heavy rains, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
In Eastern Visayas, classes at all levels in both public and private schools were suspended in Pagsanghan, Samar. In the Bicol Region, classes at all levels were likewise suspended in the entire province of Sorsogon and in Pio Duran, Albay until Jan. 16, 2026.
Pagasa reported that more areas have been placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 as Ada is forecast to reach tropical storm category.
As of 5 a.m. Thursday, Ada had slightly intensified, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 70 kph.
It was last tracked 385 kilometers east-northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, moving northwest at 20 kph.
TCWS No. 1 was hoisted over parts of Luzon, including Sorsogon and southeastern Albay; several areas in Eastern Visayas; and parts of Mindanao, including Dinagat Islands and Surigao provinces.
PAGASA warned of rough seas in multiple coastal areas and advised small seacraft not to venture out. Ada is forecast to pass close to Eastern and Northern Samar on Friday or Saturday and approach Catanduanes on Sunday.
