BACOLOD CITY – The Bago City government has issued an order regulating and discouraging night events and activities due to Kanlaon Volcano.
KANLAON Volcano (The Citybridge FB)
Mayor Nicholas Yulo, in an executive order, said that this is part of the city's preventive and proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the general public.
The executive order stated that night events typically attract large gatherings, significantly increasing the potential for mass casualties and logistical challenges in the event of an eruption or associated hazards such as pyroclastic flows and ashfall.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, during its first quarter council meeting on Jan. 6, adopted Resolution No. 2025-02 discouraging and regulating the hosting of night events and activities due to the potential escalation of volcanic activities.
Bago City has lined up simplified activities for its 59th charter anniversary from Feb. 5 to 19 due to the threat of eruption. Barangay fiestas and activities were regulated and encouraged to avoid nighttime activities.
The executive order cited that the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has reported increased volcanic activity in Kanlaon, signaling the possibility of an escalation to Alert Level 4 indicating imminent and hazardous eruption.
The executive order noted that the declaration of Alert Level 4 signifies a high likelihood of hazardous eruptions that may pose serious risks to public safety, particularly during nighttime when visibility is reduced and emergency response is more challenging.
The public was encouraged to remain vigilant and prioritize their safety by avoiding non-essential activities, particularly during nighttime.
For regulated night events that may be allowed to proceed, subject to the assessment and favorable recommendation by the CDRRMO and upon approval by the mayor, the event organizers shall submit a comprehensive contingency plan detailing emergency protocol, evacuation procedures, and coordination mechanisms with local authorities in case of volcanic eruption during the event or activity.
Also to be submitted are an undertaking assuming full responsibility for the safety of all attendees, including the provision of appropriate logistics and equipment necessary and incidental to ensuring public safety and welfare in the event of volcanic eruption during event or activity, and other requirements as may be prescribed by the CDRRMO and the Office of the City Mayor to hasten their assessment, recommendation, and possible approval.
Bago City is one of the three local government units (LGUs) affected by the Dec. 9 eruption that displaced thousands of residents due to ashfall.