SRA Research Center in La Carlota Reopens Today

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Research Center in La Carlota City resumed operations today, April 10, 2025, following a temporary closure caused by the recent eruption of Mount Kanlaon.

Lourdes C. Almodiente, chief agriculturist and officer-in-charge of the facility, confirmed the resumption on Wednesday, citing a memorandum from La Carlota Mayor Rex Jalandoon.

“As per the memo from the mayor’s office, we in LGAREC will return to work tomorrow to resume operations,” Almodiente said.

She added that the team’s first task would be to assess the facility and inspect the laboratories and nursery.

“We will also deploy all field workers to check neighboring sugar lands and keep us updated on any damage and what assistance we can provide to sugar farmers and members of block farms,” she said.

In a memorandum issued Wednesday, Jalandoon announced the resumption of government work and classes in La Carlota City starting April 10.

He lifted class suspensions at all levels in all schools, except in Barangays Ara-al, San Miguel, La Granja, Yubo, Haguimit and Nagasi.

School heads retain authority to suspend classes if necessary due to extreme heat or other safety concerns.

Jalandoon also confirmed that government offices in La Carlota City will return to normal operations on April 10.

The SRA Research Center had suspended operations on April 8 following a moderately explosive eruption of Mount Kanlaon.

Ashfall from the eruption affected several areas of La Carlota, including the SRA facility.

Meanwhile, more than PHP157 million in assistance and funds from the Department of Social Welfare and Development are available for local government units aiding families affected by the eruption.

The support includes 147,701 family food packs, 27,864 non-food items, and PHP3 million in standby funds.

According to the DSWD Western Visayas DROMIC report, as of April 8, around 7,900 families or 24,891 individuals have been affected in parts of Negros Occidental.

About 1,766 families or 5,657 individuals are staying in 14 evacuation centers, while 2,553 families or 8,302 individuals are sheltering with relatives or friends.

The DSWD has distributed more than PHP67 million in aid to seven towns and cities in the province.

Local government units have provided more than PHP11 million, while NGOs and other stakeholders contributed over PHP14 million.

Mount Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 3, and entry into the 6-kilometer extended danger zone is strictly prohibited.