Canlaon City Mayor Jose Chubasco B. Cardenas ordered the suspension of classes at all levels, both public and private, on March 16, 2026, following a moderately explosive eruption of Mt. Kanlaon that occurred on March 15, 2026. The suspension affects all educational institutions within the city as a precautionary measure to protect students and school personnel from volcanic hazards.

The directive was formalized through Executive Order No. 35, Series of 2026, issued on March 15, 2026, upon the recommendation of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC). According to the executive order, the suspension will remain in effect unless circumstances warrant an earlier lifting or extension of the measure.

Volcanic Activity Prompts Safety Measures

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported the moderately explosive eruption of Mt. Kanlaon on March 15, 2026, which produced ash emissions and other volcanic hazards that pose risks to public health and safety. The eruption occurred while Alert Level 2 remains in effect over the volcano, indicating moderate unrest.

According to the executive order, entry into the four-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone around Mt. Kanlaon is strictly prohibited due to potential hazards. These hazards include ashfall, volcanic gases, pyroclastic density currents, ballistic fragments, and reduced visibility that may affect nearby communities.

The local government emphasized that the class suspension serves as a precautionary measure to safeguard the lives, health, and overall well-being of students, school personnel, and their families in the face of ongoing volcanic activity.

Educational Continuity Measures

Despite the class suspension, educational activities will continue through alternative means. The executive order directs all schools to implement appropriate alternative learning modalities to ensure continuity of education during the suspension period.

This directive aligns with the Department of Education’s protocols for maintaining educational services during emergencies and natural disasters. Schools are expected to utilize distance learning platforms, modular instruction, or other flexible learning arrangements to minimize disruption to the academic calendar.

The suspension affects thousands of students across Canlaon City, from elementary to tertiary levels, including both public and private educational institutions. School administrators are expected to coordinate with local education officials to implement the alternative learning arrangements effectively.

Legal Basis and Authority

The class suspension is authorized under Section 3 of Presidential Executive Order No. 66, Series of 2012, which provides that classes in all levels in both public and private schools may be automatically cancelled or suspended in areas affected by disasters or calamities. Under this framework, the Local Chief Executive bears the responsibility for announcing such suspensions upon recommendation of the LDRRMC.

Mayor Cardenas, who also serves as Chairperson of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, exercised his authority as mandated by law to issue the suspension order. The decision reflects the local government’s commitment to prioritizing public safety over regular operations during times of natural hazards.

The executive order cites the State’s policy to protect and promote the constitutional rights of the people to life, health, safety, and property, and to uphold the general welfare at all times, especially during disasters and calamities.

Impact on Local Community

The class suspension affects not only students and educational personnel but also parents and guardians who must adjust their work schedules and childcare arrangements. Many families in Canlaon City depend on the regular school schedule for their daily routines, making this disruption significant for the local community.

Local businesses that cater to the school community, including transportation services, food vendors, and school supply stores, may also experience reduced activity during the suspension period. The economic impact, while secondary to safety concerns, represents another dimension of the volcanic activity’s effects on the city.

Healthcare facilities in the area have been advised to prepare for potential respiratory issues related to ashfall exposure, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children, elderly residents, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

Ongoing Monitoring and Public Advisory

City residents are advised to remain vigilant and monitor official advisories from both PHIVOLCS and the City Government regarding volcanic activity developments. The local government emphasizes the importance of staying informed through official channels to receive accurate and timely information about the situation.

The executive order urges all residents to take necessary precautionary measures in anticipation of possible escalation of volcanic activity. This includes preparing emergency kits, identifying evacuation routes, and following health protocols related to ash exposure.

Local authorities continue to coordinate with regional and national disaster response agencies to ensure comprehensive monitoring and response capabilities. Regular updates on volcanic activity and safety measures are being disseminated through official government channels and local media outlets.

Mt. Kanlaon’s Volcanic History

Mt. Kanlaon, also known as Mount Kanlaon or Kanlaon Volcano, is an active stratovolcano located on Negros Island. The volcano has a history of eruptions and is closely monitored by PHIVOLCS due to its potential impact on surrounding communities.

The volcano’s Alert Level 2 status indicates moderate unrest, characterized by increased seismic activity, ground deformation, or changes in volcanic gas emissions. This level requires strict prohibition of entry into the Permanent Danger Zone and constant monitoring of volcanic parameters.

Previous eruptions of Mt. Kanlaon have resulted in ashfall, volcanic gas emissions, and other hazards that have affected nearby communities, making preparedness and early warning systems crucial for public safety.

Looking Forward

The duration of the class suspension will depend on the continued assessment of volcanic activity and safety conditions by PHIVOLCS and local disaster management authorities. School officials and parents are advised to await further announcements regarding the resumption of regular classes.

The City Government of Canlaon continues to work closely with education officials, disaster management agencies, and community leaders to ensure the safety of residents while minimizing disruption to essential services and daily life.

Photo credit: Photo courtesy of City of Canlaon/Facebook