Philippines suspends classes in several regions amid tropical depression and Sona address

In the Soccsksargen region, local governments extended school closures on July 24 as the Southwest Monsoon, intensified by Tropical Depression Kiyapo, brought heavy rain, landslides and flooding. Governors in South Cotabato (municipalities of Banga and Tantangan), Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat issued executive orders suspending face‑to‑face classes at all public and private schools and placed provincial staff on work‑from‑home arrangements, except essential services.

Separately, Manila and Quezon City announced the suspension of all face‑to‑face and online classes on July 27 to allow students and educators to watch President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address. The bans apply to all grade levels, colleges and universities, and Quezon City also imposed a liquor ban for the day to maintain public order.