• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) expects more ash emissions and even moderate explosive eruption of Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island under its Alert Level 2 status.
“That is why, we are emphasizing that there should be no people within the four-kilometer permanent danger zone,” Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said in a press briefing on Monday, Oct. 27, as part of the Handa Pilipinas sa Bagong Pilipinas Expo 2025 (Visayas Leg) held at SMX Convention Center Bacolod.
Kanlaon Volcano recorded its fifth explosive eruption on Oct. 24, since June 3 last year, causing ashfall and sulfuric odor that hit 18 barangays of eight local government units in Negros Island.
It was followed by three ash emission events on Oct. 25.
Phivolcs also logged a four-minute ash emission at the Kanlaon Volcano summit crater on Oct. 27.
Bacolcol said that ash emission and eruption could take place even in the volcano’s Alert Level zero status.
Phivolcs last recorded a lava eruption of Kanlaon Volcano in 1903.
On the preparedness of local government units surrounding Kanlaon Volcano, Bacolcol rated them as “well prepared”, after already experiencing the Alert Level 3 status, where residents within the six-kilometer danger zone had been also evacuated.
In his speech during the opening program, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said Negros Occidental has endured some of the challenges firsthand – from floods, the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon, and the recent earthquakes that have tested the province’s preparedness and solidarity.
“These experiences remind us that resilience is not an option; it is a compelling duty we must continue to build upon every day,” Lacson said.
He added: “Let us remember that disaster resilience is not the sole responsibility of the government. It is a shared duty that calls upon the cooperation of every Filipino, from planners and engineers to farmers, fisherfolk, and families in every household.” | GB
