The Canlaon City government reopened tourism sites effective Aug. 8, eight months since the Dec. 9, 2024 eruption and days after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology lowered the alert level of Kanlaon Volcano in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental from Alert Level 3 to 2 on July 29.
Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas said it is essential for the economic recovery and livelihood of local communities. These tourism sites were shut down to ensure public safety and allow monitoring and emergency response operations after Kanlaon was placed on heightened alert status.
Cardenas, in an executive order, said the downgraded alert status indicated decreased volcanic activity and a lower likelihood of hazardous eruption within the immediate future.
But monitoring of volcanic activity and geological hazards shall continue, with provisions for immediate reinstatement of closures should safety conditions deteriorate.
Cardenas advised tourism operators and visitors to adhere to updated safety guidelines, including restricted access to certain hazardous zones and compliance with evacuation procedures if necessary.