Sulfur smell from Kanlaon disrupts 14 schools

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – A sulfur odor from Kanlaon Volcano affected five local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental, prompting the cancellation of face-to-face classes in 14 schools in Bago City yesterday.

Face-to-face classes will resume once the sulfur smell is deemed manageable. For now, the 14 affected schools have shifted to blended learning, with the local Department of Education (DepEd) closely monitoring the situation.

The affected barangays in Bago City include Ilihan, Bacong, Mailum, Ma-ao, and Malingin.

In addition to Bago City, the sulfur smell was reported in La Castellana, La Carlota City, Moises Padilla, and Pontevedra.

Students in Moises Padilla were advised to wear face masks while attending classes.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) is actively monitoring the situation and has issued safety guidelines.

In Moises Padilla, the barangays affected include portions of Odiong, Guinpana-an Proper, Montilla, parts of Macagahay, and the upper portions of Quintin Remo and Crossing Magallon.

In La Castellana, the odor impacted Mansalanao, Robles, Masulog, Camandag, and Sag-ang.

In Pontevedra, the sulfur smell was reported in Barangays Lengua, communal areas, and the town proper.

Meanwhile, La Carlota City experienced the same in Barangays Ara-al, San Miguel, Yubo, La Granja, and Haguimit.

Despite the widespread reports, Irene Bel Ploteña, head of the Provincial Disaster Management Program Division (PDMPD), noted that the sulfur smell in these areas was not overly strong.

However, she encouraged residents to wear face masks to protect themselves from potential irritants.