During a visit to Canlaon City on January 15, 2025, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno met with evacuees displaced by the restiveness of Mt. Kanlaon. He assured them of the government’s unwavering support amidst the ongoing volcanic activity. Nepomuceno’s visit included discussions with key disaster management and local government officials, such as OCD Western Visayas Director Raul Fernandez, OCD Central Visayas Director Joel Erestain, and OCD Negros Island Director Donato Sermeno III, to better understand the situation on the ground.
The administrator also conferred with Canlaon City Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas, who provided updates on the volcano’s status, currently at Alert Level 3. This level signifies a high risk of a more violent eruption, with the possibility of escalating to Alert Level 4, as reported by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.
Nepomuceno emphasized the government’s commitment to the safety and well-being of the evacuees, stating, ‘Our presence here is a testament to the national government’s dedication to ensuring that evacuees and camp leaders receive the guidance and assistance they need.’ He directly engaged with the evacuees and camp leaders, acknowledging the hardships they face, including the disruption of their daily lives and the uncertainty of the situation’s duration.
He highlighted the importance of safety measures, explaining that at Alert Level 3, areas within one to six kilometers of the volcano are at risk, necessitating evacuation for the safety of residents. He warned that if the alert level rises to 4, the danger zone would expand to ten kilometers, requiring the evacuation of many more people.
Nepomuceno assured that under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the government is committed to providing continuous assistance and addressing the needs of the evacuees. He promised to maintain regular communication with local leaders to ensure that any needs are promptly met.