Canlaon City cancels classes as ‘Leon’ nears, Kanlaon belches


BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas suspended classes on all levels in public and private schools in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental starting Tuesday, Oct. 29 until further notice, due to super typhoon “Leon” and elevated sulfur dioxide emissions from Kanlaon Volcano.

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Cardenas said in an executive order that the city is currently experiencing heavy rains and strong winds from Leon, posing potential hazards to residents and disrupting regular daily activities, particularly educational institutions.

The mayor also cited recent advisories from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology indicating significantly elevated sulfur dioxide emissions from Kanlaon with sulfuric fumes reported in parts of Canlaon City, creating additional risks of respiratory issues, especially for vulnerable populations, including children.

School administrators were encouraged to arrange remote learning options where feasible to minimize disruptions to education and prepare for the resumption of regular classes once safe conditions are restored.

Cardenas suspended work for teaching and non-teaching personnel to ensure the safety of all school personnel under the current environmental conditions.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office was instructed to coordinate with barangay officials, school administrators, and health offices to monitor developments and provide updates to all stakeholders. 

Barangay Disaster Risk Management Teams were directed to remain on heightened alert and provide necessary assistance to residents and local schools.

Cardenas assured the people that barangay DRRM units are on heightened alert and ready to respond to any emerging situations as the local government prioritizes community safety. 

“Your safety is our top priority, and we are doing everything possible to ensure that our community is prepared,” he said.