Negros governor eyes relocation despite lower alert status

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said he will continue pursuing a permanent relocation site despite the lowering of Kanlaon Volcano’s Alert Level.

On Tuesday afternoon, July 29, 2025, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) downgraded the volcano’s status from Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest/high volcanic unrest) to Alert Level 2 (moderate volcanic unrest).

Phivolcs said that since its last eruption on May 13, 2025, Kanlaon has shown fewer volcanic earthquakes, lower volcanic gas emissions, and stabilized ground deformation.

“It’s good news,” Lacson told the Daily Guardian.

He said the focus will now shift to residents living within the Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), which spans a 4-kilometer radius.

“What’s important is that we’re close to finalizing the sale for a relocation site,” he said.

Lacson confirmed that the relocation site will also cover areas beyond the PDZ.

“We will have enough space, even up to six kilometers,” he added.

With the site in place, Lacson said that evacuations may no longer be needed even during Alert Level 3.

“That is the ideal situation we would like to see in the future,” he said.

However, he noted that residents currently living within the 4-kilometer PDZ must remain in evacuation centers for now.

“We really want our residents in Kanlaon, especially those near the PDZ, to move out,” he said.

He stressed the importance of learning from the recent eruption.

“Even so, we’re very happy that the Alert Level has been lowered,” he said.

Lacson said that Kanlaon is showing minimal activity and expressed hope that the situation continues to improve.

“On our part, let’s move forward and develop the relocation site,” he said.

He added that he discussed the relocation plan with the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) two weeks ago.

“They are ready to help us in developing the area,” Lacson said.