The Cagayan de Oro City Information Office defended the Executive Order issued by Mayor Rolando Klarex Uy declaring a work suspension at City Hall starting at noon, even before heavy rains from Typhoon Basyang were felt on February 5.
CIO Chief Jude Adecer explained that the mayor based his decision on the PAGASA weather forecast, which placed Cagayan de Oro under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2.
The order clarified that the suspension applied only to government employees and excluded private agencies and businesses.
Mayor Uy emphasized that the suspension was intended to give residents in hinterland barangays time to prepare for possible heavy rainfall and flooding. City Hall operations were halted for the day, with the suspension lasting until 5 p.m. on February 6.
Work is scheduled to resume on Monday, February 9.
The measure was described as a precautionary step to safeguard communities and ensure readiness in anticipation of worsening weather conditions.
