Locality at the foot of Mt. Kanlaon resumes classes

CALM FOR NOW Mt. Kanlaon, which had a steam-driven eruption on Sept. 13, has calmed down, as shown here on Monday. —Photo courtesy of Jigz Santiago

BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines — The suspension of classes in La Castellana town in Negros Occidental, has been lifted after the restive Mt. Kanlaon volcano has calmed down.

Mayor Rhummyla Nicor Mangilimutan said classes at all levels in public and private schools, which were canceled after the volcano had a steam-driven eruption and spewed harmful sulfuric fumes on Sept. 13, resumed on Monday.

She said government agencies, including the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the provincial and municipal health offices, and the Department of Education—Division Office, have determined that conditions have improved and it was now safe to resume educational activities.

READ: Phivolcs warns public: Kanlaon Volcano may still erupt, stay alert

“Recent assessments from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) and other relevant agencies have determined that while the unrest of Mt. Kanlaon remains at Alert Level 2, the threat is localized, and adequate safety protocols can be maintained without necessitating the ongoing suspension of educational activities,” the mayor said in an executive order issued on Sept. 20.

Minimize disruptions

Mangilimutan said it was essential to resume academic operations to avoid further disruption to the student’s overall learning process.

Localities like La Castellana near Mt. Kanlaon, which straddles the provinces of Negros Occidental and Oriental, implemented preemptive evacuations of residents living close to the volcano on Sept. 13.

At least 550 families, composed of 1,862 individuals in Barangays Biak na Bato, Cabagnaan, and Masulog in La Castellana town transferred to evacuation centers outside the danger zone.

While classes have resumed, Mangilimutan ordered all schools within the vicinity of Mt. Kanlaon to implement safety and contingency protocols.

The Phivolcs has warned that the increase in earthquakes and sulfur dioxide emissions at Mt. Kanlaon could lead to a magmatic explosion.

The volcano had 55 volcanic earthquakes and emitted 10,449 tons of sulfur dioxide last weekend.