Mt. Kanlaon eruption affects thousands of learners

Local

THE eruption of Mt. Kanlaon has significantly affected 15,487 learners from both public and private schools in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, the Department of Education-Central Visayas (DepEd-7) reported.

DepEd-7 Director Salustiano Jimenez revealed that the volcanic activity has impacted 14,543 public school students and 944 private school students.

Among them, 152 learners, including four from the Alternative Learning System and nine Day Care students, are staying in evacuation centers.

The eruption has also disrupted the lives of 671 teaching and non-teaching personnel, with 118 individuals directly affected. Many personnel have sought refuge in relatives' homes outside the six-kilometer danger zone outlined by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

“We kept on praying nga padayon lang nga wala gyud panghitabo nga grabe," Jimenez said during a year-end press conference on Wednesday, December 18.

Mt. Kanlaon erupted on December 9 at 3:03 p.m., emitting volcanic gases and ash that reached approximately 4,000 meters above its summit. Following this eruption, Phivolcs raised the alert level from 2 to 3, signaling an increase in volcanic activity and the potential for more explosive eruptions.

The ashfall affected several barangays and nearby towns, prompting local authorities to evacuate residents from the six-kilometer danger zone. Classes and government operations in Canlaon City were also suspended to prioritize public safety.

Several schools within the Permanent Danger Zone, as identified by Phivolcs, are directly affected.

These include Matagbak Elementary School, Concepción Palmares Montealegre Elementary School, Masulog Elementary School, Masulog High School, Minabunod Elementary School, Pula Elementary School, Pula National High School, Villa Iowa Elementary School, and Kalubihan Elementary School.

In response, DepEd-7 has allocated P10 million for disaster relief efforts in Canlaon City and an additional P5 million for Guihulngan City.

These funds aim to support education continuity by providing temporary learning spaces, psychosocial support, and essential supplies for affected learners.

To address health risks caused by ashfall, face masks and hygiene kits have been distributed. Relief efforts in evacuation centers focus on meeting the immediate needs of displaced families.

Jimenez reaffirmed DepEd’s commitment to minimizing disruptions to education while ensuring the safety and well-being of learners and personnel.

Phivolcs continues to monitor Mt. Kanlaon closely. It advised residents and visitors to avoid entering the Permanent Danger Zone. The agency warned that further explosive eruptions remain a significant risk.

Local officials, in partnership with national agencies, have urged the public to follow official advisories and remain prepared for possible additional evacuation measures.(MyTVCebu)