By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas has suspended classes in all public and private schools in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, effective October 29 until further notice, due to severe tropical storm Leon and elevated sulfur dioxide emissions from Kanlaon volcano.
In an executive order issued Tuesday, Cardenas noted that the city is currently experiencing heavy rains and strong winds from the storm, which pose hazards to residents and disrupt daily activities, particularly in schools.
The mayor also cited recent advisories from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reporting significantly elevated sulfur dioxide emissions from Mt. Kanlaon. Sulfuric fumes have been detected in parts of Canlaon City, increasing respiratory risks, especially for children and other vulnerable populations.
Chubasco ordered the suspension of work for teaching and non-teaching personnel to ensure the safety of all school staff under the current conditions.
The executive order stressed that the combined impacts of the tropical storm and increased volcanic activity necessitate preventive measures to protect the health and safety of students, educators, and school personnel.
“This order mitigates exposure to hazardous weather and potential respiratory risks associated with Mt. Kanlaon’s elevated sulfur emissions,” Chubasco stated in the executive order.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) was directed to work with barangay officials, school administrators, and health offices to monitor developments and provide updates to all stakeholders.
Barangay Disaster Risk Management Teams are instructed to remain on high alert and provide necessary assistance to residents and schools.
School administrators are encouraged to arrange remote learning options where feasible to minimize educational disruptions and prepare for the resumption of classes once conditions are deemed safe.
Chubasco reassured the public that barangay DRRM units are on heightened alert and prepared to respond to any arising situations as the local government prioritizes community safety.
“Your safety is our top priority, and we are doing everything possible to ensure that our community is prepared,” he said.
On June 3, Kanlaon volcano erupted, displacing thousands of residents in Canlaon City and some neighboring localities in Negros Occidental.
