By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – Over 2,000 evacuees displaced by the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano are being relocated from school-based evacuation centers in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, as the town prepares to resume in-person classes on June 16.
The evacuees, coming from Barangays Sag-ang, Mansalanao, Masulog, Biak na Bato and Cabagna-an, are being transferred to covered courts and other designated shelters following a meeting between Mayor Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II, and various government agencies.
The move complies with National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Memorandum No. 135, Series of 2025, which mandates the clearing of schools used as evacuation centers ahead of the new academic year.
“The shift aims to both restore uninterrupted education and ensure the continued well-being of displaced families,” officials said.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson confirmed that funds are ready for the establishment of a permanent relocation site, although an earlier proposed location did not meet required standards.
“I think right now, there are two owners, whose properties pass the grid, and we’re negotiating with them,” Lacson said during a Thursday media briefing.
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who have opted to stay with relatives were permitted to return home, while those residing along main roads may also be allowed to go back soon.
With the decampment underway, La Castellana Elementary School announced on its official Facebook page that it will resume full face-to-face classes starting Sunday.
“We look forward to welcoming all Batang South back on campus for a productive and engaging school year,” the school posted.
La Castellana is one of the local government units heavily affected by the June 3 eruption of Kanlaon Volcano, which triggered widespread evacuation across Negros Occidental.
Department of Education–Negros Occidental spokesperson Ian Arnold Arnaez said that only four schools in the town remain impacted due to their proximity within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone.
An estimated 600 to 800 learners are still displaced, according to Arnaez, who confirmed that temporary learning spaces will be set up to continue their education.
In a similar move, La Carlota City has also begun relocating evacuees living outside the danger zone to pave the way for school operations.
