By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan of La Castellana, Negros Occidental, said they are preparing for the imminent eruption of Kanlaon Volcano.
Mangilimutan told the Daily Guardian on Sunday that this is in line with the statement of Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Director Teresito Bacolcol, who emphasized that “the mindset of the people should be preparing for Alert Level 4 of Kanlaon Volcano, not Alert Level 2.”
“We are preparing for it,” Mangilimutan said, particularly regarding the extension of the danger zone to 10 kilometers.
She added that she will meet with Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Tuesday to discuss the possibility of allowing evacuees to return home, as hinted by the governor.
In a statement posted on the OCD’s official social media page over the weekend, Bacolcol said, “We should remain vigilant. Sana yung mindset natin hindi e-lower ang Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2. Bagkus ay ang preparation natin should be it will raise to Alert Level 4 anytime.”
He also cautioned against entering the six-kilometer extended danger zone.
Bacolcol noted that raising Kanlaon Volcano’s alert level to 4 is possible due to its heightened activity.
“The sudden increase or decrease in sulfur dioxide emissions from a volcano is a sign that a destructive eruption of Kanlaon Volcano may occur,” he warned.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental acquired a 10,000-liter water filtration truck equipped with a reverse osmosis system to supply potable water to communities during disasters, especially in evacuation camps.
Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz inspected the truck and tested its operation at the provincial capitol on Saturday.
Diaz explained that the water filtration process primarily relies on reverse osmosis instead of chlorination.
He added that wastewater generated by the system can be repurposed for cleaning and laundry, maximizing its utility during emergencies.
The truck will be deployed to evacuation centers to address the drinking water needs of evacuees.
Mangilimutan confirmed that most evacuees are accustomed to drinking water from upland springs rather than chlorinated water.
She said the local government unit (LGU) purchased 13,000 liters of water from local refilling stations to meet the evacuees’ needs.
