• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
After the third minor explosive eruption of Mt. Kanlaon on April 8, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has suspended tourism activities anew in areas near the volcano in Negros Occidental to ensure the safety of both residents and tourists.
“All tourism activities near Mt. Kanlaon, including treks and visits to nearby destinations such as La Carlota City, Bago City, La Castellana, and other surrounding areas in Negros Occidental, have been temporarily suspended,” the DOT said in an advisory on Wednesday (April 9).
DOT said it is closely coordinating with involved local government units (LGUs) to “prioritize” the safety and well-being of individuals affected by the latest explosive eruption through monitoring and immediate response.
While all tourist accommodations and infrastructures in the affected areas are still “structurally sound, DOT discourages tourists to visit those places”.
DOT said it has not received any reports of stranded tourists in the affected areas as Mt. Kanlaon remains at Alert Level 3.
Rapid disaster response teams of the cities of Victorias and Silay joined the Bureau of Fire and Protection in clearing thick layers of volcanic ash along the roads in the cities of La Carlota and Bago well as La Castellana town since Tuesday afternoon.
The Negros Occidental provincial government also sent a water filtration truck to provide potable water to La Carlota residents whose water sources were affected by the ashfall.
Meanwhile, classes at all levels and work in government offices in La Carlota City, except those in barangays of Ara-al, San Miguel, La Granja, Yubo, Haguimit and Nagasi, will resume April 10, Mayor Rex Jalando-on said.
Workers of the Sugar Regulatory Administration research center in Barangay La Granja will also return to work today. | GB with PNA reports
