BACOLOD CITY – La Carlota City, Negros Occidental Mayor Rex Jalando-on postponed this year’s Pasalamat Festival due to the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on April 8.

JALANDO-ON
In a video posted on Facebook on Friday, April 11, Jalando-on said that continued volcanic activity has affected residents in six barangays – Ara-al, San Miguel, La Granja, Yubo, Haguimit, and Nagasi – and they are still dealing with the effects of ashfall, including damage to livestock, crops, and homes.
The city was scheduled to celebrate the festival from April 21 to 27, but after careful deliberation with barangay and city officials, stakeholders, and organizers, Jalando-on decided to postpone the event to a later date.
“We have so much things to do right now,” he said. The decision was not easy for him to make. “But the challenges we are facing from the Kanlaon threat is much difficult for the people of La Carlota City,” he said.
The city is focusing its efforts on disaster response and ensuring that the needs of affected barangays are fully addressed.
Efforts are ongoing to provide assistance to evacuees and establish permanent resettlement areas, the mayor said.
Jalando-on said the Pasalamat Festival is a time of gratitude, unity, and celebration for the people of La Carlota but the safety and well-being of the community must come first.
The mayor thanked people who prepared for the festival – the barangays, performers, vendors, and families – and asked for their understanding.
He said the eruption reminds the people of the uncertainty and strength of Kanlaon.
Jalando-on said that Kanlaon may have tested them again but together they shall rise and celebrate again.
He said that the festival was not canceled, only postponed.
“Once it’s safe, the celebration will resume, stronger and with even more reasons to give thanks. May we all remain safe, hopeful, and strong,” he said.
The city has more than 1,000 evacuees staying in evacuation centers since the Dec. 9, 2024 eruption.