NEGROS OCCIDENTAL — The eruption of Mount Kanlaon early Tuesday morning, April 8, has impacted at least 15 barangays in Negros Occidental, prompting widespread public health advisories, the suspension of onsite classes in over 200 schools, and emergency responses across Western Visayas.
In La Carlota City, 12 barangays—Ara-al, Yubo, San Miguel, Haguimit, La Granja, Cubay, Nagasi, Balabag, RSB (Roberto S. Benedicto) and Poblacion I, II, and III—reported ashfall events with three more barangays affected in Bago City namely Mailum, Ilijan, and Binubuhan.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded the eruption at 5:51 a.m., which sent a thick ash plume rising over 4,000 meters tall from the summit vent of the volcano.
Despite not being directly affected by ashfall, Bacolod City raised its alert to ‘blue’ status, signifying intensified monitoring and coordination.
“Bacolod City is not affected by any volcanic hazards,” said Dr. Anna Maria Pornan, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
“But we are on blue alert, and our barangay disaster risk reduction and management committees are activated for intense monitoring. We are ready to assist nearby LGUs in any way we can,” she added.
In Antique, the provincial government issued an advisory to all localities potentially affected by ashfall, urging them to activate their Emergency Operations Centers.
“All concerned units are directed to maintain full operational readiness, ensure intensified coordination and close monitoring,” the advisory said.
In Iloilo, Provincial DRRM Office Chief Ret. Colonel Cornelio Salinas issued a strong reminder for residents, especially in the First District towns—Guimbal, Igbaras, Miagao, Oton, San Joaquin, Tigbauan, and Tubungan.
“We advise everyone to wear face masks and limit outdoor exposure. If you don’t have to go out, stay indoors for your safety,” said Salinas. “We are coordinating with all possible affected municipalities and continuously monitoring their conditions.”
The eruption disrupted educational activities across the region. According to the Department of Education (DepEd) Western Visayas, 203 schools suspended in-person classes, shifting to alternative modes of learning.
These include 30 schools in the Schools Division Office (SDO) of La Carlota City, 34 in SDO Negros Occidental, and six in San Carlos City.
The eruption marks the second time in recent months that Mount Kanlaon has shown significant activity, the last eruption being in December 2024.
In response to the latest incident, the national government has already deployed 250,000 food packs for affected residents in Negros Oriental.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of Canlaon has begun managing evacuation centers to ensure efficient distribution of supplies.
As local and provincial officials continue to mobilize resources, provincial government officials in Negros Oriental say they are awaiting final instructions for the distribution of aid.
Mount Kanlaon remains under close watch by Phivolcs, and authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant, follow advisories, and prioritize health and safety amid ongoing volcanic activity.