BACOLOD CITY – Seven local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental suspended classes on Friday, Feb. 27, following the moderately explosive eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on Thursday night, Feb. 26, that caused light to heavy ashfall in several barangays.

The Office of Civil Defense-Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR) reported that classes were cancelled in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, and Isabela, Binalbagan, La Castellana, three barangays in La Carlota City, Hinigaran, and one barangay in Murcia, all in Negros Occidental.

In Canlaon City, Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas issued Executive Order No. 26 cancelling classes on all levels in public and private schools as a precautionary measure to safeguard the lives, health, and overall well-being of students, school personnel, and their families.

He directed all schools to implement appropriate alternative learning modalities to ensure continuity of education and advised residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautionary measures in anticipation of possible escalation of volcanic activity.

Mayor Miguel Angelo Yulo of Isabela announced the suspension of classes on all levels due to the reported sulfuric smell in several barangays and ensure the safety and well-being of learners, teachers, and school personnel.

He advised people to stay indoors and wear face masks and assured they are closely monitoring the effects of ashfall.

In Binalbagan, Mayor Emmanuel Aranda advised the people to avoid unnecessary travel or outdoor activities, protect drinking water and food from ash contamination, and continue monitoring the situation. “Let us remain vigilant and prioritize safety at all times,” he said.

Mayor Añejo Nicor suspended classes in La Castellana upon the recommendation of the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (DRRMC), following their emergency meeting to assess the situation and activate their contingency plans. The public was advised to be cautious of pyroclastic flow and ashfall.

Rescue personnel were deployed to affected barangays and continuous monitoring was conducted in areas at risk. Face masks were distributed to protect residents from ashfall, and patients requiring medical attention were safely transported to appropriate healthcare facilities.

The town remains on high alert and continues to work closely with concerned agencies to safeguard lives and property.

In Hinigaran, Mayor Mary Grace Arceo issued an executive order suspending classes, stressing the potential impact of volcanic ash on students, teachers, and school personnel, including exposure during travel to and from schools.

Arceo said the decision is a prudent and preventive action to minimize exposure to possible ashfall, poor air quality, and related hazards while monitoring the evolving situation. All 24 barangays in the town experienced light ashfall following the eruption.

In La Carlota City, Mayor Jose Luis Jalandoni suspended classes in primary and secondary public and private schools in Barangays Yubo, Ara-al, and San Miguel, for the safety of all students and school personnel from potential ashfall and volcanic hazards.

In Murcia, only classes in Barangay Minoyan were suspended.